Can I Get Disability If I Was Paid Under the Table?You may or may not be able to get disability if you were paid under the table for your work. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability are for individuals who have not been able to work at a substantial level for twelve months or more (even if work is under the table, Social Security considers how much the individual earns each month). If an individual has not been able to work due to their disabling condition or conditions for that length of time, they may be eligible for one of the Social Security administration's disability programs (qualify for Social Security Disability, an individual must have worked long enough and recent enough to be insured for Social Security Disability benefits. When an individual works, they pay into the Social Security Disability insurance program through their payroll deductions. Their work earnings allow them to earn work credits. Social Security Disability and Work Credits Each year, an individual can earn as many as four work credits depending upon their earnings. Work credits determine insured status for Social Security Disability. If an individual has earned enough work credits or quarters of coverage to be insured, and their work is recent enough (generally, individuals must have worked and earned forty quarters of coverage or work credits and twenty of those quarters of coverage must have been earned in the ten years prior to the month the individual became disabled), they may be eligible for Social Security Disability. However, if they have worked under the table they have not paid payroll taxes. If they have not paid payroll taxes, their earnings are not reported to the IRS. Obviously, this creates a hurdle for a person intent on filing for Social Security Disability. Earnings reported to the IRS create an individual's Social Security earnings record. If the IRS does not report any earnings to an individual's earnings record, they will not be insured for Social Security Disability. If an individual has worked under the table, they still may be able to receive disability benefits from Social Security. Social Security has a disability program that is based on need rather than insured status. SSI offers disability benefits to children, aged, and the disabled; however disability applicants must meet strict income and resource limits to be eligible for the SSI disability program. 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: SSI and Social Security Disability requirements in North Carolina Can I Get Disability If I Was Paid Under the Table? What Determines If You Are Covered for SSDI (Social Security Disability) Benefits - The DLI Issue Insured Status is What Makes SSDI and SSI Different From Each Other What Is The Difference between SSD and SSI? The Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI Really Involves Work Activity Am I Eligible to get Benefits (SSDI, Medicare) if I worked overseas and get a disability pension from another country? Can You Get Disability Benefits If You Were Self-Employed and had Self-employment Earnings? |
