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Earnings While On Social Security Disability

How Much Can You Earn While On Social Security Disability?

When navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability benefits, understanding the limits on earnings is crucial. This guide answers the frequently asked question, “How much can you earn while on Social Security Disability (SSD)?” and explores related aspects, including how earnings affect your benefits and the specific regulations applicable.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two distinct programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities. While SSDI is based on work credits and payroll contributions to Social Security, SSI is need-based, with eligibility determined by income and assets. This article primarily focuses on SSDI, but it is important to understand the differences as they can affect how your earnings impact your benefits.

Earnings and SSDI: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The term “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) is central in determining how your earnings affect your SSDI benefits. SGA is the level of work activity and earnings considered significant through which individuals demonstrate their ability to engage in meaningful work despite their disability. As of 2023, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month, while for the blind, it is $2,460.

Key Points:

  • If your monthly earnings exceed the SGA level, you may no longer qualify for SSDI benefits.
  • The SGA levels are typically adjusted annually based on national wage trends.
  • Engaging in SGA can trigger a review of your eligibility for SSDI.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits through a Trial Work Period. During this period, which lasts nine months and does not need to be consecutive, you can earn an unlimited amount while still receiving full benefits.

Trial Work Period Details:

  • Any month that you earn more than $1,050 (as of 2023) counts as a trial work month.
  • After completing nine trial work months within a rolling 60-month period, your work activity will be reviewed under SGA rules.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

Upon completing the Trial Work Period, individuals enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts 36 months. During this time, if your earnings fall below the SGA level, you can continue receiving benefits for any month your earnings are lower due to your disability.

Extended Period of Eligibility Highlights:

  • After the 36-month EPE, any month you earn over SGA will make you ineligible for SSDI benefits for that month.
  • The first month of disqualification due to SGA will result in a cessation of SSDI benefits but can be restarted without a new application during EPE if earnings drop below SGA.

Returning to Disability Benefits

If your benefits stop due to high earnings but your disability interferes with your ability to work, you can request a reinstatement through the Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) process within five years. This provision allows you to quickly resume benefits without a new application while your claim is being reviewed.

Expedited Reinstatement Process:

  1. Request reinstatement within five years of benefits ceasing.
  2. The SSA provides up to six months of temporary benefits while reviewing your claim.
  3. If approved, your benefits resume without needing a new application process.

Working and SSI

While the SSDI focuses heavily on SGA, SSI has different requirements and considerations. SSI is designed for low-income individuals and limits countable income to qualify for benefits. Earning money affects SSI benefits more directly, as income can reduce benefits by a specific calculation.

SSI Earnings Calculation:

  • SSI recipients can earn up to $65 without affecting benefits.
  • After this threshold, SSI benefits are reduced by $0.50 for every $1 earned.

How Work Incentives Help

The SSA provides several work incentives designed to help beneficiaries transition back into the workforce while still receiving benefits. These include:

  • The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): A plan that allows individuals to set aside money for education or business start-up.
  • Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): Deductible expenses related to your impairment that are needed for work.
  • Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): Allows students under 22 to earn money without it affecting SSI.

Example Scenario

Example: Consider John, a non-blind SSDI recipient who has been receiving benefits for two years. In 2023, he tests the waters of employment by taking a job that pays $1,550 per month.

  1. Trial Work Period: John’s earnings exceed $1,050 each month, so his trial work period begins. He completes his nine months without worrying about losing benefits.

  2. Extended Period of Eligibility: After his trial work period, John enters the 36-month EPE. He can keep full benefits for months when he earns less than the SGA limit of $1,470.

  3. Earnings Change: Four months later, due to his persistent impairment, John’s earnings drop to $800 a month. He continues to receive his SSDI benefits since he is below SGA.

  4. Increased Earnings: John later earns $1,600 for a consecutive month. His SSDI benefits are suspended for that month since he exceeded SGA, but can be reinstated in future months if earnings dip.

  5. End of EPE: If his earnings consistently remain over SGA after EPE ends, his SSDI benefits cease permanently unless his situation changes to prompt Expedited Reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do SGA limits change?

The SSA adjusts SGA limits annually, reflecting changes in national wage trends.

Can other income types affect my SSDI benefits?

Yes, unearned income, like investment earnings, does not count towards SGA but may still impact SSI benefits.

What happens if I stop working during the Trial Work Period?

Your benefits continue as usual, and the Trial Work Period only counts months where earnings exceed the specified threshold.

Where can I find additional resources on SSDI earnings?

For further reading, the official Social Security Administration website provides comprehensive resources on work incentives and program changes.

This guide provides the necessary understanding of how work affects your Social Security Disability benefits. Whether you're starting a new job or exploring part-time work, knowing your earnings limits is essential for maintaining eligibility and planning your financial future. Feel free to explore other related content on our website for deeper insights into managing finances with disability benefits.