Lost your SSDI because you went back to work but can no longer continue? Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) can get your benefits back without starting over. Here's how this crucial safety net works.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What Expedited Reinstatement is
- Who qualifies
- How to request it
- What happens during review
1. What Expedited Reinstatement Is
The safety net:
- Restart SSDI without new application
- When work attempt doesn't work out
- Faster than applying from scratch
- Up to 5 years after benefits ended
Why it exists:
- Encourages work attempts
- Reduces fear of trying
- Provides safety net
- Makes working less risky
How it helps:
- No full reapplication
- Provisional benefits while reviewing
- Faster decision
- Based on same disability
Temporary vs. permanent:
- Get provisional benefits immediately
- While SSA reviews your case
- If approved, benefits continue
- If denied, may keep provisional (no repayment usually)
2. Who Qualifies
Basic requirements:
- Previously received SSDI
- Benefits stopped due to work
- Now unable to work due to same/related disability
- Within 5 years of benefits stopping
The 5-year window:
- Starts when benefits ended
- Ends 5 years later
- Request must be within this window
- After 5 years, must reapply normally
Same or related disability:
- Must be the same condition
- Or related to original disability
- New, different condition = new application
- SSA evaluates this
Unable to perform SGA:
- Currently unable to work above SGA ($1,550/month in 2026)
- Because of your disability
- Not just because you lost your job
- Medical reason required
Important: EXR is specifically for people whose work attempt didn't succeed due to their disability, not for other reasons.
3. How to Request It
Contact SSA:
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- Visit local Social Security office
- Request Expedited Reinstatement
- Explain your situation
What to say:
- Your benefits stopped due to work
- You're no longer able to work
- Due to your disability
- Want to request EXR
Information needed:
- Your Social Security number
- When you stopped working
- Why you can't continue
- Current medical situation
Documentation:
- Medical evidence of inability to work
- Information about work attempt
- Proof of current condition
- Any recent treatment records
4. What Happens During Review
Provisional benefits:
- Begin quickly (within weeks)
- Up to 6 months
- While SSA makes decision
- Full SSDI amount
The review:
- SSA evaluates your disability
- Determines if still disabled
- Uses similar standard as original claim
- Usually faster than new application
Possible outcomes:
- Approved: Benefits continue permanently
- Denied: Provisional benefits may continue for the 6 months
- Usually don't have to repay provisional if denied
Timeline:
- Request EXR
- Provisional benefits begin (weeks)
- SSA reviews (up to 6 months)
- Final decision made
- Benefits continue or end
What If Denied?
Appeal rights:
- Can appeal EXR denial
- Same appeal process as regular claims
- Reconsideration, then hearing
- 60 days to appeal
During appeal:
- May not receive benefits
- Depending on timing
- Complex rules apply
- Get advice if denied
Alternative:
- File new SSDI application
- Starts fresh process
- May take longer
- Consider disability attorney
Planning for EXR
Before stopping work:
- Know about EXR
- Document your situation
- Keep medical records current
- Understand the timeline
If work isn't working:
- Don't wait too long to request EXR
- Stay within 5-year window
- Get medical documentation
- Contact SSA promptly
Maintaining medical records:
- Keep seeing doctors
- Document limitations
- Get statements about inability to work
- Be prepared
How Purple Helps
Purple supports your benefits journey:
- Track SSDI payments
- Monitor your financial situation
- Clear records during transitions
- Easy to see when benefits resume
- Stable banking throughout