Working Before, During and After Social Security Benefits
A woman contacted Social Security before she applied for disability benefits. She was told that she could not file a SSD claim because she was working. Clearly she was given the wrong information. It is possible to work and still apply for SSD — as long as your income falls within certain limits.
If you apply for or receive Social Security Disability benefits, you are allowed to work as long as your gross monthly earnings (the amount before taxes and other deductions) is less than a certain amount set by the Social Security Administration. This 2010 amount is currently $1,000.00 a month. It changes every year, so it is best to check with a lawyer.
Can I Return to Work After I Get SSD?
Many Social Security Disability applicants have worked hard for years before applying for SSD. They have a solid work ethic and want more than anything to return to the workforce. For many of these people, "Can I go back to work?" is one of the first questions they ask us.
After you start receiving disability benefits, you may want to try working again. You should know that going back to work usually does not automatically cause you to lose your disability benefits. The government provides "work incentives" to ease the transition back to work with continued monetary benefits and health care coverage.
Work incentives and the Ticket to Work program help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you try working. You may also choose to complete a Trial Work Period. During this period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn - just as long as you report your work activity to the SSA and continue to have a disability. The Trial Work Period lasts for a limited period of time.
The Ticket to Work Program
Under the Ticket to Work program, most people receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits can get free employment services and job training. The SSA issues tickets to eligible beneficiaries. Beneficiaries may assign those tickets to an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency of their choosing, which provides the services.
To learn more, please contact our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, law firm to schedule a free initial consultation lawyer Cynthia Berger and her support staff.
