If im on ssdi can i work

If you are currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must comply with strict rules regarding your employment. Generally speaking, you cannot work while receiving Social Security disability—but there are some exceptions.

As of 2021, you can earn up to $1,310 per month and still receive SSDI benefits.

There is no limit to unearned income, such as your spouse’s earnings, inheritances, gifts, etc. associated with SSDI. Understanding your options and your rights can help you avoid a mistake that could cost you your benefits. Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has served the hard-working people of Pennsylvania, fighting for the fair treatment and benefits they deserve when they are disabled and cannot work. Federal and state benefit programs are in place to help those who cannot support themselves, and our attorneys believe in upholding the principles upon which SSDI and SSI were founded.

To find out how we can help you, call (888) 498-3023.

What Are the Rules For Working While on SSDI?

If you can work and earn money to make a living, you might not be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits:

• SSDI benefits are for people who have medical/mental conditions that prevent them from working. These benefits are available to people who have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify.
• SSI is for disabled people based on financial need. Recipients cannot earn more than a certain amount of money nor possess more than a certain amount of property ($2,000 in Pennsylvania, excluding their home and usually their car) to qualify.

You can work while receiving Social Security retirement or survivors benefits, however.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) & Disability Benefits

As mentioned above, eligibility for SSI and SSDI is based on your inability to work. This is specifically defined by the SSA as a substantial gainful activity, or SGA. Earning more than a certain amount of money is deemed engaging in a substantial gainful activity, which would make one ineligible for benefits. As of 2020, the substantial gainful activity limit is $1,260 per month for disabled applicants.

If you earn more than that, you may not be eligible for SSDI. There is no limit on unearned income.

Social Security Work Incentives

The SSA offers incentives to help people on SSDI or SSI get back to work, without jeopardizing their current benefits. These incentives include:

• A nine-month trial work period where you can still receive full Social Security benefits, regardless of how much money you’re earning, as long as your reporting your work to the SSA.
• An extended 36-month eligibility period where you can receive Social Security benefits for any month that you earn less than $1,260 (as of 2020).
• Expedited reinstatement, which includes a five-year period where you can request for the SSA to restart your benefits if your disability prevents you from continuing to work, without having to go through the entire application process again.
• An extension of Medicare coverage for at least 96 months after your 9-month trial work period, if your Social Security Disability benefits have ended due to your earnings, but you are still disabled.

For more information, call (888) 498-3023. Our attorneys serve disabled clients in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Schuylkill County, and the surrounding communities in Pennsylvania.

Social Security Disability is meant to provide financial support to those who are incapable of working and making a living due to a disabling condition or illness. However, even with disability benefits, many beneficiaries could also benefit from an extra source of income through a part-time job. But the Social Security system is notoriously strict, so a common question people have is: Can you work part time on Social Security Disability?

Learn more about the rules surrounding disability benefits in Oklahoma City and how a part-time job may affect your benefits.

Understanding the Substantial Gainful Activity Limitations

While the SGA limit for 2022 is $1,350, SS disability beneficiaries who make a gross income of $970 a month will trigger what’s known as a “trial work period.” It’s not impossible to work part-time while receiving Social Security disability benefits, but it’s important to keep in mind that the rules surrounding disability claims and work activity are extremely complicated. For this reason, the vast majority of people choose not to work while getting benefits, so they can avoid overpayments that can jeopardize their benefits.

Exceptions to SGA

Fortunately, there are exceptions to SGA that will allow you to earn more money while still receiving your disability benefits. This can be done by participating in work incentives. These are special programs that allow disability recipients to transition back into the workforce. The best time to attempt one of these programs will vary based on conditions unique to each case.

These programs come in many forms. For example, you may be able to receive disability payments by participating in a vocational rehabilitation program. This is for recipients who medically recover and go back to work but still receive payments to help them become self-supporting.

Additionally, you will be automatically placed into a trial work period, which allows you to attempt to go back to work for a nine-month period while still being considered disabled, if you earn more than $910 in a given month from work activity. The nine months don’t have to be consecutive as long as they’re completed within a 60-month period.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses

IRWE is a factor when considering whether your pay exceeds the SGA. For example, you may be making more than $1,260 a month in terms of base pay but less once the IRWE are deducted. While this means you’re getting less pay from your part-time job, you do get to keep receiving Social Security Disability benefits, leading to more income overall.

Need Help Understanding Your Benefits? The Wolf Pack™ Has Your Back!

Can you work part time on Social Security Disability? Does my part-time job exceed the SGA limit? How do I start my trial work period? From the start of the application process for disability benefits to long after you’ve been approved, there are many difficult questions you may have.

If you need help applying or appealing for SSDI or SSI benefits, The Wolf Pack™ at Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys has your back! Serving disabled individuals and their families in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ardmore, and surrounding communities, our experienced disability attorneys will do everything in our power to help you get approved for the benefits you deserve. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security system and will answer any questions you may have about your benefits.

Contact The Wolf Pack™ today at 405-218-9200 or fill out our online form to get your free case review today!