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can i work and still get disability benefits

by Trisha Larson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Can You Work While on SSDI? Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity
substantial gainful activity
Substantial gainful activity is generally work that brings in over a certain dollar amount per month. In 2022, that amount is $1,350 for non-blind disabled SSDI or SSI applicants, and $2,260 for blind SSDI applicants (the SGA limit doesn't apply to blind SSI applicants).
" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits
. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you're working and making more than $1,350 per month in 2022 (or $2,260 if you're blind).

What are the top 10 conditions that qualify for disability?

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Other inborn errors of metabolism not specified elsewhere that are treated by medically prescribed diet to prevent neurological disability and/or severe organ damage. ...
  • Cystic Fibrosis.

More items...

How much can you work while receiving SSI disability benefits?

Your countable income is made up of the following:

  • wages you are paid from your job (some of which is excluded)
  • the value of free food and shelter provided for you
  • support money from family or friends (though not all of your spouse's earnings are counted against you), and
  • payments from other sources, like veterans benefits or unemployment.

How much can I work and still receive benefits?

You work and earn $28,960 ($10,000 over the $18,960 limit) during the year. Your Social Security benefits would be reduced by $5,000 ($1 for every $2 you earned over the limit). You would receive $4,600 of your $9,600 in benefits for the year. ($9,600 - $5,000 = $4,600) Reach full retirement age in August 2021.

Can you work while waiting for disability?

Working While You Wait Having part-time employment is by no means a barrier to receiving disability payments from the federal government. What matters here is the level of income you’re able to earn and the type of work you’re able to do.

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What does SGA mean for disability?

SGA means you are doing competitive work and making more than $1,220, pre-tax, per month in 2019 (or $2,040 if you’re blind). There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If you are approved for SSI, you can also work and continue to receive your disability benefits as long as your wages and other resources do not exceed ...

Can I still work and receive disability?

Yes, you can still work and receive disability benefits, but there are limitations on this for both SSDI & SSI. Generally speaking, SSDI recipients can’t start doing what’s considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) while receiving disability benefits. SGA means you are doing competitive work and making more than $1,220, pre-tax, ...

How long can I work and still get Social Security benefits?

If you do choose to go back to work, you will still be able to receive benefits for any month you don’t make over the SGA limit for 36 months. If, at any point during the 36 months you decide you can’t work, then you need to call the SSA and they will reinstate your benefits.

How many hours can I work on SSDI in 2020?

In 2020, any month that you make more than $940 or work more than 80 hours if you’re self-employed is considered a trial month. If it is determined that you cannot work after your trial period, you can go back to receiving SSDI as normal.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

The difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSI encourages recipients to work as much as they can. Only about half of your income is counted towards the SSA’s income totals, so the $794 limit is often closer to $1,500 per month. The amount of your monthly payment depends on your income.

Can I keep my medicaid if I have no SSI?

If you income increases, your payments will be decreased. Even if you are making enough that you are no longer eligible for SSI benefits, you may still be able to keep your Medicaid. It is also possible to apply to buy Medicaid from the state Medicare agency if you have high medical costs. Get My Free Evaluation.

Is there a limit on how many hours you can work on SSI?

There are strict financial limits to be eligible for SSI, but it’s not based on work history. There is no limit on how many hours you can work on SSI, rather a limit on how much you can make in a month.

Can I get SSDI if I work full time?

Social Security Disability Insurance. For SSDI, you can only receive benefits if you cannot work a full time job, or enough to be considered substantial gainful activity ($1,310 per month, $2,190 if you’re blind). Therefore, most recipients receive SSDI in place of working.

How long can you work on a disability?

If you’re applying for disability, then you’re telling the government you cannot work for at least 12 months. Your credibility is an important part of your disability claim. Social Security needs to know it can trust the evidence you’ve provided for why you deserve benefits.

How does work affect disability?

This affects applicants for disability differently from current recipients of disability: Disability applicants who wish to return to work one day may choose to file for unemployment benefits.

What happens if you are on unemployment?

If you’re drawing unemployment benefits, then you’re telling the government that you’re still looking for a job and intend to return to the workforce as soon as possible. If you’re applying for disability, then you’re telling the government you cannot work for at least 12 months.

How does work affect SGA?

How much you work affects your income. You’re more likely to be over SGA if you’re working full-time than if you’re working part-time . However, how much you’re working affects your claim beyond your income level. It also tells Social Security something about your disabling condition (s).

What is a trial work period for Social Security?

A trial work period allows recipients to attempt to work for a period of time without risking losing their benefits. Earning more than $880 a month (gross) triggers a trial work period.

Do I have to repay unemployment?

You may have to repay your unemployment benefits after you’ve been approved for disability. Your onset date of disability could even be affected if you draw unemployment benefits, potentially reducing or completely eliminating any past due benefits you would have otherwise qualified for.

Does SSIS take into account household income?

An Extra Consideration for SSI. Keep in mind that SSI takes into account not just your income, but your household income as well. That means that in addition to not engaging in SGA, you also have to meet certain household income limitations to qualify for SSI.

How many hours can you work to get SSDI?

If you are self-employed, any month where you work more than 80 hours can also be considered a trial work month. Once you have completed the nine-month trial work period (the months need not be consecutive), you can still receive SSDI for any month where your earnings fall below the SGA level, for a period of 36 months.

How long is the trial work period for SSDI?

For the nine-month trial work period, SSDI recipients are entitled to test their ability to work and continue to receive full benefits regardless of whether they make more than the SGA amount. For 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers any month where a person has a monthly income of more than $940 to be a trial work month. ...

How long does it take for SSI to reinstate?

If your SSI payments stop because you earn too much money (that is, if your countable income is over $794 per month), but you are subsequently forced to quit work because of your disability, the SSA will reinstate your benefits without the need for a new application for a period of five years.

Can you get SSDI if you are blind?

Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you are working and making more than $1,310 per month in 2021 (or $2,190 if you're blind). To encourage SSDI recipients to go back to work, however, Social Security has created some exceptions to this rule. SSDI recipients are entitled to a trial work period during which they can make more than the SGA amount without losing benefits.

Can I report my wages to Social Security?

SSDI and SSI recipients can now report wages online using their Social Security account, and SSI recipients can now also report wages with a smartphone app. Social Security's website has more information on telephone wage reporting and online wage reporting.

Does the SSA take the $85 off of your income?

If your only income is from your job, the SSA does not include the first $85 you earn toward your countable income. After taking the $85 adjustment off of your income, the SSA will deduct, from your monthly benefits, 50 cents for every dollar you earn.

Can I make a small amount of income while on disability?

You can make a small amount of income while collecting disability benefits, but how much depends on whether you get SSDI or SSI benefits. Social Security's work rules are different for individuals currently receiving SSDI and those receiving SSI. (For a discussion of how much you can work when first applying for benefits, ...

Question: Working When You Apply for Disability

I have multiple sclerosis and arthritis and a lot of back, leg, and foot pain. I'm working full time. My job requires a lot of standing and I am in pain all day. I want to apply for disability but I've heard it takes a long time.

Answer

Generally, you have to quit your job before applying for benefits. If you continue to work full time, Social Security won't even consider your claim because they'll assume you're not disabled. Even though you are working through pain, if you're able to continue your job, you won't be approved for disability benefits.

Question: Working While Waiting for a Disability Decision

I quit working in April 2020 and applied for Social Security disability for bipolar disorder. I was approved in October 2020, on my first attempt. But before I found out I was approved, I went back to my old job in August and made approximately $850 that month, and in September I grossed $1,500. Then in October I cut way back on my hours.

Answer

You're right that your work in September was over the amount that counts as "substantial gainful activity" (SGA). For non-blind people, anything above $1,310 (in 2021) is over the SGA amount.

Can I collect disability if my income exceeds my Social Security cap?

If your income exceeds those caps, you cannot collect disability benefits , unless you are taking part in one of Social Security’s "work incentives" — programs and trial periods aimed at helping SSDI recipients transition back into the workforce without sacrificing their benefits.

Does ticket to work waive SGA?

As do other work incentives, Ticket to Work temporarily waives the SGA earnings limits, so you continue collecting your disability benefits while you engage in trial work with employers who have signed up to participate. If you get a job through the program, you go off disability benefits.

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