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    Working While on Social Security Disability

    If you are considering working while on Social Security Disability, you need to be very careful. Before returning to work, you should contact the attorney who assisted you in obtaining SSDI, and confirm that your proposed job isn't likely to cause problems. This post was created in early 2019, and the numbers or rules may change, so contact the SSA before moving forward.

    Here is how I advise my clients when asked several common questions about work:

    1. How much can I make while I'm on disability?

    It varies.

    Social Security has what is called a 'trial work period.' This allows a person to exceed a certain income figure ($880 per month in 2019) without termination of their disability claim. The catch, however, is a big one. You only get 8 months of trial work allowance in a 60-month period. So if you exceed $880 per month during a ninth month, you should be thrown off of disability entirely. Exceeding $1220 per month will result in the reduction of your benefit, even in the first month.

    The safer decision is to stay below $880 per month. Earnings below this level do not trigger the trial work period, and a claimant can safely earn at this level indefinitely.

    2. Can I work while I'm applying for disability?

    Yes, but... There is no trial work period prior to the issuance of a decision. As such, you can earn up to $1220 per month without it impact the amount of or your eligibility for disability. You should consider, however, that earnings approaching this limit -- or any earnings -- while a person is applying for disability may be held against them. Different judges view part time work while applying for disability differently. Some view it as evidence of a good work ethic, some decide that a claimant should be able to do a little more is not disabled, and some don't take much interest.

    3. I read online and/or was told that I could earn up to $1220 per month while working part time.

    This is a common misunderstanding. The up to $1220 per month figure is permitted, but only for eight months. After that, you are risking your eligibility for benefits. That is why you need to rely upon your attorney (and your attorney needs to be a SSDI specialist), and not rely upon google. Also, your attorney should be willing to take your call even once you've been approved to help guide you through this issue.

    4. How many hours can I work?

    I recommend staying below 25 hours per week, preferably below 20 hours per week. Exceeding this level begins to suggest that you can do full time work, especially if the work is on your feet (such as a cashier). More importantly, your body may not permit you to exceed this amount of work (that's why you are on disability).

    5. What kind of work can I do?

    I recommend that the work be simple, the tasks be non-physical, and the hours be flexible. This may vary depending on the basis for your disability (fatigue, walking issues, cognitive slowing, etc.).

    6. I also have private long term disability benefits. Can I work part time?

    Maybe, but it's very risky. This depends on your policy, and you may find that (1) your part time work will be held against you, and/or (2) your insurer will reduce your benefits as a result of your income. You MUST speak to your attorney before you return to work, and MUST let the insurer know if you do.

    7. You've put the information right here. Why should I call my attorney?

    This is general information, and your specific scenario hasn't been considered. Also, your attorney was paid a fee to help you get benefits; they should be willing to take your call. I take calls from claimants I assisted a decade ago on return to work issues. Your attorney worked hard to get you approved, and he/she shouldn't want to see that work go to waste.

    8. You've put the information right here. Why should I call the SSA?

    When your file is up for review, the SSA will be doing the review. It helps to have obtained confirmation directly from the SSA, and to have documented the call in case an issue ever comes up. If you return to work, notify the SSA immediately.

    9. Anything else?

    Good luck!
    Attorney Jamie R. Hall's practice is focused on assisting individuals with claims and appeals for Social Security Disability and Long Term Disability benefits. He has assisted claimants nationwide, approximately half of whom are MS patients, from his Pennsylvania and Ohio locations. **No attorney/client relationship is created by this communication, and information provided herein is not a substitute for formal advisement.**

    #2
    Thanks so much, Jamie. Appreciate this!
    1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
    Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks Jamie for a really important post. I really appreciate the thought you out into it - it touches on key points we need to understand.
      Kathy
      DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

      Comment


        #4
        UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS

        tHE PERSON I AM WORKING FOR IS MEAN BOTH MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. I RTOLD MY BOSS I DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK THERE BUT SHE SAY I NEED THE MONEY/???
        ANYWAY, NO HELP THERE. I AM TRYING TO GET A DAY OFF AS I HAVE INFECTION AND SHE IS SUPPOSES TO LET ME KNOW....

        Comment


          #5
          Working While on Social Security Disability

          It depends.
          In the USA, some private insurance carriers allow an individual to work part-time while receiving disability benefits. Usually disability benefits will be reduced, but sometimes by less than the amount earned from the part-time work.
          If you are on Social Security disability benefits, a “trial work period” rule allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months. During that time, you will receive your full Social Security disability benefits as long as you report your work and you continue to have a disability.
          If you receive Supplemental Security Income because you have a disability, you may work and continue receiving payments until the total of your earnings and any other income exceed the Supplemental Security Income income limits.

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