Maybe you’re on disability now. The payments don’t quite cover all your bills. Or maybe you feel better and would like to get back to work, but you don’t know if you are up to working full time. If so, you may be wondering if you go back to work part-time, will your SSDI benefits stop?
Social Security Disability Insurance payments, as you know, are paid to people who are unable to work due to a disability.
What some people don’t realize is that you can work part time while applying for or receiving SSDI benefits.
However, you need to understand some important rules.
Working During Application
You may continue working while your application is being reviewed. However, you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2018, the limit per month is:
- $1,970 for blind SSDI recipients,
- $1,180 for all other SSDI recipients.
Remember, though, that the Social Security Administration will also be looking at the number of hours worked. Someone who makes minimum wage and is able to work 30 hours a week, for example, may be disqualified for benefits.
Continuing to work during the application process is very risky. A caseworker or administrative law judge reviewing your work hours and pay may decide you are not disabled at all. Talk to your attorney about the risks and benefits of working part-time.
Working While Receiving SSDI Benefits
The rules change if you want to work after you have been approved for benefits. The SGA limit probably still applies to your work situation. However, you may also take advantage of something called a trial work period.
This is a time where you might think you are able to return to work. You’re just not sure you can handle it. The Social Security Administration allows people to test their ability to work under the following conditions:
- The person receiving SSDI benefits can work up to nine months in a rolling 60-month period before the person is considered no longer disabled. The nine months do not have to be taken consecutively.
- As of 2018, an individual can earn up to $850 before the month is considered part of the trial work period. So, a month where you worked just a few hours making less than $850 would not typically be considered part of a trial work period.
The rules and dollar amounts are subject to change, usually on a yearly basis.
Get the Benefits You Deserve When You Need Them.
Sometimes you need a lawyer, not a paralegal or advisor. Your case receives the attention and care of experienced Social Security Disability attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller.
For your free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We are located in Anaheim, but we assist clients throughout Southern California.
