‘I could be dead in a year or two’: Social Security asks California man with HIV to repay $201K in disability benefits — here’s what to do if Social Security slashes your benefits

What you can do

As the Elon Musk-led DOGE targets federal government agencies for drastic cuts, it’s fair to wonder if and when disability benefits might be cut. But there are measures you can take if it happens to you.

If you want to file an appeal, do it immediately. In order to keep your benefits during the appeal process, you need to make that request within 10 days of notice. You then have 60 days to file an official appeal.

Consulting a disability attorney as soon as possible is the smartest route to take. An attorney can walk you through the appeals process and go to any benefits hearings if necessary. Even better, many disability lawyers handling Social Security cases work on contingency, which means you only pay them if they get your benefits reinstated.

Make sure to gather all relevant documentation related to your disability, including medical records, physician statements, treatment and therapy records, and any correspondence with the Social Security Administration. Be sure to also include any evidence that your disability prohibits you from daily tasks or working.

In the meantime, you might need to explore other coverage options. Even if your SSDI benefits are cut, Medicare coverage may be available.

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Preparing for the uncertain

The current economic and political landscape might have folks feeling anxious about the availability of benefits and services. Social Security has appeared acutely at risk, as cuts have already hurt staffing levels and closed offices.

Let’s explore some ways you can prepare yourself for possible cuts.

Set up an emergency fund: Consider opening a high-yield savings account for small but consistent auto-transfers. Aim for an amount that will cover three to six months of essential expenses.

Analyze your budget: Track your non-essential expenses to see what could be removed quickly in the event of a sudden cut to your benefits. Formulate a hypothetical budget that only focuses on essential bills, especially medication, treatments or transportation related to your disability.

Consider flexible work options: If your disability prevents you from working 40 hours, consider part-time, remote or freelance work — anything to build up that emergency fund. Make sure to research what work limits SSDI has in place, as working could impact your benefits eligibility.

Explore other resources: Research your eligibility for other benefits services, such as SNAP, Medicare, utility discounts, housing assistance and nonprofits. If your disability benefits get cut suddenly, you’ll know which services to turn to quickly. Also consider checking out the Disability Benefits Consortium, a national group of charities that provide resources, advocacy and guidance in the benefits system.

Keep track of your benefits: Benefits policies are rapidly changing, with criteria for assistance getting tightened. Make sure to stay alert and up-to-date with current SSA policy and respond promptly to any correspondence from the agency. This will help keep you informed and prepared in the event you need to appeal a cut to your benefits.