1. What Is a Disability Redetermination?

A redetermination is a full review of your non-medical eligibility factors, including:

• Income (earned and unearned)
• Resources and assets
• Living arrangements
• Marital status

Unlike medical reviews, SSI redeterminations focus on financial eligibility to confirm you still qualify under SSI income and asset rules.

2. Why Does SSA Conduct Redeterminations in Washington?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts redeterminations to:

• Ensure recipients are receiving the correct payment amounts
• Identify overpayments or underpayments
• Verify continued eligibility based on updated household and financial information

3. How Often Do Redeterminations Happen?

Redeterminations can occur:

• Periodically (every 1 to 6 years): Scheduled reviews based on your case profile
• When SSA receives updated information: For example, if they are notified of a change in your income, marriage, living arrangements, or bank balances
• Random sample reviews: Conducted to maintain program integrity

4. What Happens During a Disability Redetermination in Washington?

A. Receiving the Redetermination Notice

You will receive a letter from SSA indicating your SSI benefits are under review. This notice includes:

• The reason for the redetermination
• Instructions on what documents you must provide
• Deadlines to respond and complete the review

B. Completing the Redetermination Interview

Redeterminations are conducted:

• By mail: SSA sends forms to complete and return with requested documentation
• By phone: An SSA representative calls you to gather information
• In person: You visit your local SSA office to complete the interview

During the review, you will be asked about:

• Current income sources (wages, pensions, unemployment, gifts, or other assistance)
• Bank accounts and resources, including checking, savings, retirement accounts, or cash on hand
• Property ownership, such as vehicles or land other than your primary residence
• Living arrangements, including household members and who pays household expenses

C. Providing Documentation

You may be asked to provide:

• Recent bank statements
• Pay stubs if you are working
• Proof of rent or mortgage payments
• Utility bills
• Documentation of other income, such as alimony, child support, or pensions
• Vehicle registrations or property titles

Providing complete and accurate documentation ensures your redetermination is processed efficiently.

5. What Happens After the Redetermination?

After reviewing your information:

• SSA will send you a written notice with their decision
• Your SSI payments may remain the same, increase, decrease, or stop depending on changes in your financial circumstances
• If your benefits are reduced or terminated, the notice will include information on how to appeal the decision

6. How Is SSDI Different from SSI Redeterminations?

While SSI redeterminations focus on financial eligibility, SSDI reviews (Continuing Disability Reviews) evaluate medical eligibility to determine if you remain disabled under SSA rules. If you receive both SSI and SSDI, you may undergo both types of reviews at different times.

7. How to Prepare for a Disability Redetermination in Washington

To avoid interruptions in your benefits:

• Keep detailed records of all income and assets
• Report any changes in income, living arrangements, or marital status to SSA immediately
• Respond to SSA notices promptly and completely
• Organize your documents before your redetermination interview

8. What If You Disagree with the Redetermination Decision?

If your SSI benefits are reduced or terminated after a redetermination:

• You can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice
• To continue receiving benefits during your appeal, you must request benefit continuation within 10 days

Appealing promptly helps prevent financial disruption while your case is under review.