Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?

 Posted on January 12, 2022 in Social Security Disability

Debilitating injuries or serious illnesses can play a major role in a person’s life, affecting their ability to work and support themselves and their family. For those who suffer from conditions that are severe enough to be considered a total disability, Social Security disability benefits can provide essential financial assistance. However, these benefits may not fully address a person’s needs, and they may wish to supplement them by finding ways to earn an income. However, a person who is disabled may be concerned about whether returning to work will affect their ability to continue receiving benefits. By understanding the restrictions that apply and the options that are available, a person can ensure that they will continue to have the financial resources they need.

Working While Receiving Disability Benefits

To qualify for Social Security disability, a person will need to demonstrate that they are not currently working, or if they are working, they are earning less than what is considered substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2022, SGA is defined as $1,350 per month, or $2,260 per month for a person who is blind. A person who receives disability benefits may work part-time or in a low-wage position, and if they earn less than the amount that is considered SGA, this will not affect the benefits they receive.

Any changes in a person’s work should be reported to Social Security, including starting a new job, stopping work at a current job, or changes in hours, duties, or wages. Social Security also encourages those who receive benefits to return to work, and it offers some incentives to assist in the transition. These include employment networks, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other organizations that offer education and job training, career planning, assistance with job placement, and other benefits.

To help a person transition from receiving disability benefits to being able to work and support themselves, Social Security allows for a trial work period in which a person can continue to receive benefits after returning to work. The trial work period can last for up to nine months, and this period will include any month in which a person earns at least $970 after deducting any expenses related to their disability, such as transportation to work or assistive devices that are needed while working. A person can continue receiving benefits until they have worked for at least nine cumulative months in a five-year period.

A person who has returned to work will qualify for an extended period of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. Within the three years after completing a trial work period, if there is any month in which a person does not earn income considered to be SGA, they may receive disability benefits for that month. Within five years after returning to work, a person will also be eligible for expedited reinstatement of benefits if they are unable to continue earning SGA because of their disability.

Contact Our Plano Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyers

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can help you understand how working will affect your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, and we can provide you with legal representation as you address issues related to your disability claim. To arrange a free case evaluation, contact our Collin County Social Security disability attorneys at 972-671-9922.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/returning-to-work.htm?tl=0%2C1%2C2

https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/meet-your-employment-team/index.html