What Can Trigger a Redetermination Review?

Redeterminations may be scheduled routinely or triggered by changes in your situation. Here are the most common triggers:

Routine Scheduled Reviews

• SSA conducts periodic reviews (usually every 1 to 6 years) based on the stability of your financial and living circumstances.
• If your situation is more likely to change frequently, SSA may perform a redetermination annually.

Change in Income

• You or someone in your household starts earning income, gets a raise, or begins receiving another type of benefit (e.g., unemployment, pensions).
• Even temporary income can trigger a review.

Change in Living Arrangements

• You move in or out of someone’s home.
• Someone moves in or out of your home.
• The way rent or bills are shared changes.

Change in Resources

• Your assets (like bank accounts, property, or vehicles) exceed SSA’s $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple limit.
• Receiving an inheritance or settlement can also trigger a review.

Change in Marital or Household Status

• Getting married, divorced, or widowed.
• Someone else in your home starts receiving benefits or earns income.

Reported or Detected Errors

• SSA receives new information from other agencies (like IRS or state programs).
• A discrepancy in records or failure to report changes can prompt a redetermination.

How to Stay Prepared

To avoid unexpected redeterminations or benefit suspensions, keep SSA informed about any changes within 10 days. Always maintain:

• Up-to-date bank records and pay stubs
• Documentation of household expenses
• Records of resource changes (like buying/selling a car)