Expedited Reinstatement of Social Security Cash Benefits

Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows people whose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits ended because of their earnings to have those benefits restarted without having to file a completely new application. The purpose is to encourage people to work more by removing fears that they won’t be able to access Social Security again if their situation changes.

Paperwork for EXR is minimal and the process is relatively quick. Under EXR, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may pay up to 6 months of provisional benefits while they determine if the individual still meets their criteria for receiving benefits based on a disability. If SSA denies the request for ongoing benefits, they generally will not require that the individual repay the provisional benefits.

Who Qualifies?

Must meet all of the following criteria:

• stopped receiving SSDI due to earnings from work;
• are no longer earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level (in 2010, $1,000 per month for people with disabilities or $1,640 per month for blind beneficiaries);
• are currently unable to earn over SGA;
• have the same disability as when you applied initially; and
• make the request for reinstatement within 60 months (5 years) from the month SSA terminated the previous benefits.

How Do You Apply?

• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an appointment to apply for Expedited Reinstatement, or
• Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office.

Be Aware:

Your Social Security representative may recommend that you complete a new application instead of pursuing EXR. Depending on your situation, this may be more advantageous for you.

What Else Should I Know?

Once you have received 24 months of benefits after qualifying for EXR, you will get a new Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility to test your ability to increase your earnings again.