Employment and SSDI Disability Claims
We are often asked by applicants for Social Security disability (SSDI) if they can work and still qualify for benefits. The answer of whether you can — or should — hold a job depends on your level of impairment and your unique situation.
The attorneys of Coats & Todd can address your questions relating to working and SSDI claims. Call us today at 1-800-856-1031 to discuss your case. We represent claimants in Plano, the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area, statewide Texas and throughout the United States.
Can I Work? Should I Work?
Our advice is that if you can work, you should. If you are employed full time or nearly full time, you will make more money than you ever would on Social Security disability (SSDI).
If you try to go back to work and it doesn't work out, it will not necessarily prevent you from filing for SSDI. This is a Work Attempt, and actually may support your disability claim. If you return to work for three months or less, it usually won't affect your SSDI eligibility. If you work half the year or more, however, it could disqualify you.
Talk to your doctor(s) before resuming employment, and always inform your attorney of any work attempt.
Should I Take Unemployment?
Many people draw unemployment benefits until they run out, then file for Social Security disability. This will hurt your SSDI claim. When you file for unemployment, you must say that you are "able to work," which is a contradiction to claiming you are disabled.
You should exhaust any employer-paid or private disability insurance, and then file for Social Security disability if you have been out of work for 12 months or if your doctors say you will be. Because it takes a long time to qualify for SSDI, you should start the process early.
We Can Answer Your Questions
Contact our Richardson, Texas law office for a free initial consultation. Whether you are considering SSDI or have already been turned down, our lawyers offer a combined 40 years of focused experience in Social Security law.
