7. Notice of Planned Action (Suspension or Termination)

A Notice of Planned Action informs you that the SSA intends to pause, reduce, or stop your monthly benefit checks. Common causes include earning income above the Senior Earnings Limit while under Full Retirement Age, changes in marital status affecting spousal benefits, or administrative reviews of ongoing eligibility.

Receiving this document requires immediate action. In many administrative procedures, responding within 10 days of receiving the notice allows you to maintain continuous benefit payments while the agency reviews your appeal. Missing this rapid response window allows the SSA to execute the payment drop immediately, leaving you without monthly income while you fight to resolve the administrative issue.

File this document in your primary active file and retain all surrounding correspondence permanently. It documents precise notice dates, internal handling codes, and staff worker identification numbers that your lawyer or advocate will need if legal intervention becomes necessary.