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Working While Receiving Social Security Disability

Question: Can You Work And Get Social Security Disability?

Navigating the world of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be daunting, especially when considering the possibility of working while receiving benefits. It's a common query: Can you work and get Social Security disability? The answer is not a simple yes or no—it depends on several factors, primarily concerning your capacity to work and how much income you earn. This guide provides an in-depth examination of the regulations and opportunities available for SSDI beneficiaries considering employment.

Understanding SSDI and Work Incentives

SSDI is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Eligibility criteria include a history of earning sufficient Social Security credits and having a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability.

Work Incentives

To encourage beneficiaries with disabilities to enter or re-enter the workforce, the SSA offers several work incentives, which are rules that make it easier for those receiving disability benefits to work while still receiving payments. Let's delve into these incentives:

  1. Trial Work Period (TWP): This allows you to test your ability to work without losing SSDI benefits. Here are the key points:

    • During the TWP, you can work and earn any amount while still receiving full SSDI benefits, no matter how much you earn.
    • The TWP comprises nine months, which do not need to be consecutive, within a 60-month rolling period.
    • For 2023, a month counts as a TWP month if earnings are over $1,050 or if you work more than 80 hours in self-employment.

  2. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): Following the TWP, the EPE provides a 36-month safety net:

    • During the EPE, you will receive benefits for any month your earnings are not "substantial."
    • For 2023, substantial earnings are considered above $1,470 per month, or $2,460 for blind individuals.
    • If earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, benefits stop after the first month of overage and a three-month grace period.

  3. Expedited Reinstatement: If your benefits stop because of high earnings and later you cannot work due to the same or related disability, you may request expedited reinstatement of benefits for up to five years without having to file a new application.

  4. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): Certain disability-related expenses you incur to work can be deducted from your income, potentially lowering it below the SGA level and allowing you to continue receiving benefits.

Assessing Ability to Work

To determine whether you can work while on SSDI, it is crucial to grasp what constitutes SGA, as SSDI benefits are predicated on your inability to engage in substantial gainful activity. Here’s how SGA is evaluated:

  • Earnings Thresholds: The SSA sets specific income limits to assess whether your work activity qualifies as SGA. For non-blind individuals in 2023, earning $1,470 or more monthly meets the threshold for SGA. Blind individuals have a higher limit, set at $2,460.

  • Nature of Work: Besides earnings, the SSA looks at the nature of the work you do. High-level skills or supervisory roles can also influence SGA status. Additionally, self-employment is evaluated on a different scale, which considers factors like hours worked and invested value.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Part-Time Worker

Sarah, receiving SSDI benefits, works part-time at a local store and earns $1,000 per month. Since her earnings are below the SGA limit, she continues to receive her full SSDI benefits without entering the TWP.

Scenario 2: The Self-Employed Individual

Tom is a freelancer who is also eligible for SSDI. His income fluctuates. By using IRWEs, Tom offsets some of his income and keeps his countable earnings below the SGA level. He thus manages to work while maintaining SSDI eligibility.

Scenario 3: Post-Trial Work Period

Julian completes his nine-month TWP and transitions into the EPE. He occasionally earns above SGA but does so infrequently. During lower-earning months, he receives his SSDI benefits seamlessly.

Benefits of Working While on SSDI

  1. Increased Income: Working while on benefits can provide supplementary income, easing financial burdens.

  2. Skill Maintenance and Development: Employment can offer opportunities to develop and maintain skills, enhancing employability long-term.

  3. Social Interaction and Fulfillment: Engaging in work can offer psychosocial benefits, including improved self-esteem and social interaction.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

  1. Can I work full-time and still receive SSDI benefits?

    • While possible through the TWP, consistently working full-time may exceed SGA limits, resulting in benefit cessation.

  2. Are work incentives permanent?

    • Work incentives such as TWP and EPE have structured timelines. Post-EPE, benefits terminate once SGA is surpassed, barring significant changes in work capacity.

  3. Is there a penalty for attempting to work and failing?

    • No, the TWP and EPE safeguard you from losing benefits while you attempt a return to work.

Recommended Resources

For further confidence and support, consider consulting with a Social Security expert or legal advisor familiar with disability laws and benefits. Exploring the potential to work while receiving SSDI can be a gratifying step towards greater independence.

Remember, each situation is unique, and what applies to one person may not apply to another. Always consider personal circumstances and health conditions when making such decisions. For more intricate details about specific cases or changes in policy, visit the SSA website directly or speak with a knowledgeable Social Security advocate.