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Social Security Savvy: Can I Work While Receiving Disability Benefits?

Social Security Savvy: Can I Work While Receiving Disability Benefits?

Thanks to modern medicine and aid programs, many people with disabilities have no trouble living happy, fulfilling lives. Social Security helps those with disabilities overcome financial and physical challenges. This is a boon not only to the unemployed, but also to those with career ambitions:

SSD and Employment

Although most people think of Social Security Disability Income as a program to provide for those who can’t work, it’s as much about helping people work who otherwise couldn’t. If you’re considering taking a job, you may be able to keep your disability payments depending on:

  • Your Income– $1,090 per month or more is considered substantial income. If you earn less than this, your earnings have no effect on your benefits. For every dollar you earn over this amount, however, your benefits will be reduced.
  • Your Vision– If you are blind, you can make a maximum of $1,820 per month before your benefits are lowered
  • Your Age and Education– If you are younger than 22 years old or currently attend a school or training course, you can earn up to $1,780 per month before the government reduces your benefits.
  • Your Expenses– If your disability raises the cost of getting to work or doing your job, the government doesn’t count that money toward your earnings when determining disability benefits. For example, if you have to spend $300 a month on taxi services to get to work because your condition prevents you from taking the subway, you can subtract those $300 from your reported income.

Even if your earnings make you ineligible, you will still be able to receive full Social Security payments for a nine month trial period. Your benefits only go down if you continue working after that period. You will also still receive free Medicare Part A coverage for 93 months after the trial period. Depending on your state’s policies, you may also still be eligible for Medicaid disability benefits. If your disability forces you to stop working within five years, you can immediately begin receiving full benefits without submitting another disability application.

Besides helping you make ends meet once you have a job, Social Security also makes it easier for you to get one in the first place. The Ticket to Work program provides job training, rehabilitation, referrals and other job support services. Everyone between the ages of 18 and 64 who receives Social Security Disability Income is eligible for this program.

Everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, which is why Morgan Lawyers is committed to gaining those with disabilities the support they deserve. For more information on disabilities, injury, and Social Security, follow our blog today.

Image Source: Pixabay

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