If Social Security decides to terminate an individual’s SSDI benefits, it pays his/her SSDI benefits for the month the disability ceased plus the next 2 months. This is called the “grace period.” Then, Social Security stops paying benefits.
It should be noted that Cessation and the Grace Period often occur during the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), but might not necessarily, depending on the beneficiary’s earnings.
Example: In February of 2013, Karen earns $2,000 a month, which exceeds the 2013 eligibility limit of $1,040 a month. Karen benefits will be ceased, but she will still receive a payment in February, March and April.