How much can you make and get disability?Earnings affect SSDI eligibility when filing a disability claim, or while receiving SSDI benefits. Earnings affect your eligibility but do not mean you will be automatically denied for disability or you will lose your SSDI benefit if you work. If you have a disabling condition but you have to work to make ends meet, do not rule out the possibility of making an SSDI application. Each year Social Security sets an earnings limit that it considers being self-supporting (SGA). If you are working but are not earning over the SGA limit, you can still file for, and be considered for, disability benefits. There are even times when you are working over that limit but could still be eligible for disability benefits. How? If you are working over the limit but are maintaining your employment through special considerations given by your employer, you may be able to approved for disability. Special considerations might include: less production, more time off, more breaks, or any other consideration other employees do not receive. How will Social Security know if your employer gave you special considerations? Social Security will have your employer complete a form that allows them to put a worth to your work when compared to other employees doing the same job. What if I am working while simultaneously getting disability? If you are receiving disability benefits, your work will continue to affect your eligibility for the entire time you receive disability benefits. You will have a nine-month trial work period (these months do not have to be consecutive) in which you are allowed to make as much as you wish. If you are still earning over the limit in the 10th month, your disability benefits will be stopped if you are earning over the SGA limit. But, that said, you will be eligible for an extended period of eligibility (EPE) to get your benefits going again. The EPE is a 36-month period in which you can start your disability benefits again if you are not working, or your earnings are below SGA due to the effects of your disabling condition. If you continue to work and earn over the SGA limit past the months of the EPE, your disability benefits may be...terminated. That said...Social Security allows one more consideration to disability beneficiaries. If your disability benefits have been terminated due to work, you have five years from the month you terminated in which to apply for expedited reinstatement (EXR) of your disability benefits if you are alleging the same disabling conditions. You will be given six months of provisional disability payments while Social Security determines if you are still disabled. In summary, the SGA limit determines the amount of work you can perform, and still be eligible to file for, or continue to receive SSDI benefits. 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: Applying for Disability in North Carolina Disability Criteria - Eligibility For Social Security and SSI Disability What are the SSI disability qualifications? Eligibility for receiving disability benefits Why are you denied the first time you apply for disability? How does Social Security Disability decide that you cannot work? What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? |
