If You Are Currently Working Are You Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?Contrary to what most people believe, "some work activity" does not necessarily rule out Social Security eligibility, or even continued disability benefit entitlement (for those who were previously approved and have been receiving benefits). However, there is no denying that work activity can be problematic for individuals who are working while they are considering an application for disability. Work activity can also pose problems for disability beneficiaries who wish to work to supplement their disability benefits by going back to work at some level. For the purposes of this discussion, we are going to address A) work activity and potential disability eligibility as it relates to a disability application and B) work activity and the affect it has on disability entitlement. First, if you are considering an application for disability and you are working, your eligibility for Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefits depends upon the amount that you earn each month. These monthly earnings are counted as a gross amount of earnings, not a net amount. Social Security sets an amount of monthly earnings that it considers to equate with substantial work activity, or SGA each year. When an individual files an application for disability and they are earning gross monthly wages over the SGA limit, without any kind of special considerations (concessions such as longer breaks, less than normal work productivity, or even more time off) from their employer, their disability claim will be denied for the performance of SGA prior to being sent to DDS for a medical determination. Which means, of course, that when a case is denied on the basis of SGA (i.e. a person was working and earning too much to be considered for disability), the denial is fairly automatic as the case is never assigned to a disability examiner and no medical records are requested to evaluate the claimant's condition. What if you are working over the Social Security SGA limit, but special considerations are being made? You may be eligible for disability decisions from initial disability determinations through all continuing disability reviews (CDRs). About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long does a Social Security Disability judge have to make a ruling? Denial by an ALJ at a Disability Hearing How long does it take a disability judge to make a decision? When does social security consider you eligible for disability benefits? Who is eligible for SSI Disability? Disability Criteria - Eligibility For Social Security and SSI Disability Can I Be Eligible For SSI And Social Security Disability At The Same Time? Social Security Disability and SSI Mental Claims and Criteria Can you apply for disability on the basis of multiple health problems? What makes a person eligible to receive disability benefits? Inability to Work and Eligibility for Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? If You Are Currently Working Are You Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits? Will Being A Veteran Affect Your Eligibility And Chances For Social Security Disability? Are SSD and SSI disability cases decided the same way in terms of Eligibility? Is the Medical Criteria to Get Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits hard? Criteria for how Social Security Disability is Awarded Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process If you apply for disability in in Louisiana Getting a Disability Lawyer in Louisiana |
