Being off work is difficult for some people, even if they have a medical condition that qualifies them for disability payments. Working part-time may provide a better quality of life for disable people who receive SSDI benefits. But, how can you work part-time and still receive disability payments?
SSDI Benefits, in Short
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid to people who have accumulated enough work credits to qualify and who have a disability that prevents them from working.
However, it is possible to work part-time while receiving monthly SSDI payments. In fact, the Social Security Administration offers incentives, including the Ticket to Work program, to help recipients who can get back to work on a part-time basis.
Part-Time Work Guidelines
It’s important to always tell Social Security if you start or stop work, reported to work to find your job had changed, or you start paying for work-related expenses necessary because of your disability. Some workers may only be able to return to work part-time, but Social Security acknowledges this:
- The Trial Work Period. You may not be sure you can handle going back to work. The trial work period allows you to work for up to nine months with unlimited earnings. Social Security benefits continue to be paid also.
- Extended Eligibility for SSDI Benefits. After going through a trial work period, you can work for another 36 months while receiving benefits. However, 2018 income is capped at $1,180 a month ($1,970 if you are blind).
- Work Expense Deductions. Expenses related to your disability may be deducted from your monthly earnings. If you make more than $1,180 a month, then, you may be able to deduct expenses from your income to get the monthly amount below the limit.
- Expedited Reinstatement. You may lose benefits if your earnings put you over the limit. You will have five years to restart benefits if your condition prevents you from working again.
- Ticket to Work. This program provides back-to work-services for eligible SSDI recipients age 18 through 64 to
Get the Benefits You Deserve When You Need Them.
Maybe you or a loved one need help applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. Maybe you are receiving SSDI benefits but want to work. Your case will receive 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.
