What happens if you are working when you file for disability or work after you apply for disability?Because the social security administration focuses on the individual's ability to engage in work activity at a certain earning level, individuals who are thinking of filing for disability benefits under the SSD (Social Security Disability) or SSI (supplemental security income) program should know that if they apply while they are working and earning an SGA-level income, their case will receive a very fast "technical denial". When this type of denial occurs--based on an applicant's level of earnings--their case will not have been transferred to the state disability processing agency (disability determination services, the agency that makes decisions on claims for the social security administration) and also will not have been assigned to a disability examiner. This means that the applicant's medical records will not have been gathered and evaluated, simply because the applicant's level of earnings made their claim ineligible (for non-medical reasons) from the very beginning. By the same token, applicants who were not working at the time they filed a disability claim but returned to work at a substantial and gainful work activity level while their disability application or disability appeal was being evaluated on would receive a "denial for SGA", i.e. a denial for working and earning in excess of the allowed limit. Because of this, anyone who is considering filing for Social Security Disability or SSI should understand that there is little point to doing so if they are working full time as they would most likely be earning an SGA-level income. Also, a person who has a claim under consideration should be careful about engaging in work activity as this can easily bring the processing of a claim to a screeching halt if the individual's earnings are too high. Finally, individuals who have already been approved for disability benefits should be very careful about returning to work activity as this has the potential for terminating their monthly benefits. The social security administration does allow individuals who receive benefits to attempt to re-enter the workforce and actually gives them nine trial work months in which they can work and earn as much as they can without it endangering their continued eligibility. However, if the individual's earnings match the SGA limit in the tenth month their benefits will be stopped. 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: Disability for Knee and Joint pain in North Carolina Are You Allowed to Work While Receiving Social Security Disability or SSI? What is an unsuccessful work attempt? If my medical condition keeps me from working will I get Social Security Disability? Can't Work In My Old Job, How Does Social Security Disability Consider This? Social Security Disability And Trial Work Months: You are allowed to Work Medical Disability - How does Social Security view your work and medical records Is there a Maximum I can Work and Make if I am on SSD or SSI Disability Benefits? Working while getting Disability - Is it Possible? Can You Work While You Appeal Your Social Security Disability Decision? How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)? Can I work without it affecting my Social Security Disability or SSI? What happens if you are working when you file for disability or work after you apply for disability? Will working part-time affect my SSD? Working while on Social Security Disability and Not Reporting What is SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)? If I Apply For Disability And Go Back To Work, Do I Need To Report This? Are you allowed to work at all if you get Social Security Disability or SSI? Qualifying for disability in Missouri Will I qualify for disability in Missouri? |
