If you receive SSI, you'll periodically get a letter from Social Security asking you to verify your eligibility—a process called a redetermination. These reviews can feel intimidating, especially if you're worried about losing the benefits you depend on. But understanding what a redetermination involves and how to prepare can take much of the stress out of the process and help ensure everything goes smoothly.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a redetermination is and why Social Security conducts them
- The difference between a redetermination and a continuing disability review
- What information Social Security will ask for
- How to prepare for your redetermination
- What happens if Social Security finds you're no longer eligible
- Tips for keeping good records year-round
Understanding SSI Redeterminations
A redetermination is Social Security's way of checking that you still meet the non-medical eligibility requirements for SSI. Remember, SSI is a needs-based program, which means your income and resources must stay below certain limits to remain eligible.
What SSA examines during a redetermination:
- Your living situation
- Your income from all sources
- Your resources and assets
- Any other factors that might affect eligibility or payment amount
They're not evaluating whether you're still disabled—that's a separate process called a continuing disability review.
How often redeterminations occur:
- Typically every one to six years
- Frequency depends on how likely your circumstances are to change
- May also be triggered by a change you report (moving, marriage, starting work)
Redetermination vs. Continuing Disability Review
It's easy to confuse these two processes, but they examine different things:
Redetermination:
- Focuses on your financial situation
- Reviews income, resources, and living arrangements
- No medical evaluation involved
Continuing Disability Review (CDR):
- Evaluates whether you still meet Social Security's definition of disabled
- Involves reviewing medical records
- May include scheduling examinations
You might have both types of reviews at different times, and the schedules aren't necessarily coordinated.
What Information Social Security Will Request
When it's time for your redetermination, Social Security will contact you—usually by mail—requesting updated information.
Typical information requested:
- Current living situation (where you live, who you live with, housing costs)
- Any income received (wages, self-employment, gifts, other sources)
- Your resources (bank account balances, cash on hand, other assets)
- Changes in household composition (someone moved in/out, marriage, divorce)
Documentation you may need to provide:
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Lease agreements
- Other records depending on your situation
Preparing for Your Redetermination
Year-round best practices:
- Keep copies of bank statements showing balance on the first of each month
- Save pay stubs
- Keep receipts for major purchases
- Save correspondence about income or resources
When you receive the notice:
- Read it carefully to understand exactly what's needed
- Note the deadline for responding (missing it can suspend your benefits)
- Gather all requested documents before your appointment or interview
If your situation is complicated:
- Joint accounts with family members
- Received a gift or inheritance
- Consider getting help from a benefits counselor or attorney who specializes in disability benefits
If Social Security Finds You're No Longer Eligible
Sometimes a redetermination reveals that someone has exceeded the resource limit or has too much income to qualify for SSI.
What happens:
- Social Security sends a notice explaining their decision
- The notice explains what it means for your benefits
- You have the right to appeal if you disagree
Appeal process:
- Multiple levels available
- Can request a hearing before an administrative law judge
- Good documentation of your finances is crucial
If you exceeded the limit unintentionally:
- May be able to spend down excess resources
- Benefits can be reinstated once you're back under the limit
- Social Security can explain your options
Overpayments:
- If you received benefits during a period when you weren't eligible, you may owe an overpayment
- Can request a waiver if repaying would cause financial hardship and wasn't your fault
Year-Round Strategies for Staying Compliant
Monitor your finances:
- Track bank account balances, especially around the first of each month
- If you receive unexpected income or gifts, plan for spending down before it pushes you over the limit
Report changes promptly:
- If you move, start working, or have any significant life change
- Let Social Security know within 10 days
- Timely reporting helps avoid overpayments
- Demonstrates good faith compliance
Use tools designed for SSI recipients:
- An account that shows where you stand relative to the resource limit
- Provides peace of mind
- Helps you make informed spending and saving decisions
How Purple Helps
Redeterminations are easier when you have clear visibility into your finances. Purple's checking account helps SSI recipients:
- Track resources in real time
- Always know where you stand relative to Social Security's limits
- Get benefits up to 4 days early
- Maintain organized records for redeterminations
- Stay compliant with program rules