Social Security Disability benefits ensure a person has the necessary financial resources when a disability impacts their ability to earn a living. There are specific rules in place that aim to support SSDI recipients should they feel ready to attempt some amount of paid work. To better understand these rules, below are a few important aspects to know about working while receiving SSDI.
There Is a Trial Work Period
Anyone who receives Social Security Disability is granted a trial work period, a length of time in which they can maintain part- or full-time employment without interruption of their benefits. The period is nine months long, but the months do not need to be consecutive, as long as they fall within 60 total months. During the TWP, the SSDI recipient can earn as much money as they want without their benefits being affected. Any month in which the recipient earns over $880 is counted as one TWP month.
The TWP Is Followed by an Extended Period of Eligibility
After nine months have accrued, recipients enter what is called the extended period of eligibility. This lasts for 36 months and working recipients of SSDI can still maintain their benefits as long as they do not exceed a certain amount of income each month. The 2019 limits are $1,220 for non-blind recipients and $2,040 for the blind. If these limits are exceeded in any one month, that month’s benefit is lost, and Social Security will conclude that your disability has ended, thereby stopping your benefits. But, if at the end of 36 months you are not exceeding the income thresholds, benefits continue.
You Must Self-Report
Self-reporting your monthly income is essential to maintaining benefits while working on SSDI. You must also report any changes to your work situation, such as stopping work or an increase or decrease in monthly pay. Monthly reporting must be submitted no later than the tenth day of the following month.
If you are disabled and unable to work, or you are experiencing issues with your Social Security Disability payments, contact an attorney. Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Associates, LLC, has been serving La Crosse County, WI, for more than two decades. They offer representation in SSDI, workers’ compensation, and personal injury cases. To schedule a free consultation, call (877) 784-1230 or visit their website.