Can You Work While on Social Security Disability
Can You Work While on Social Security Disability?
How much can you earn?
The number one question that I receive as a Social Security lawyer is: “Can I still work while I apply for or collect disability?” It is not uncommon for clients to believe that they can work “part-time” while applying for or receiving benefits. While the simple answer to the work question is YES, you can work, there are definitely limitations of which you must be aware.
First and foremost, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your pre-tax (gross) earnings to determine your ability to apply for or continue receiving your disability benefits. In 2023, the earnings limit is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals. If an individual earns more than these limits, they will not be eligible to apply for benefits. If you are receiving benefits, the SSA offers several programs that enable an individual to test their ability to work.
The Ticket to Work Program is a program designed to help people who receive Social Security Disability benefits return to work. Under this program, individuals can receive vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services to help them find and maintain employment.
An applicant may also qualify for a
Trial Work Period while disabled where they can have unlimited earnings for up to nine non-consecutive months. During these nine months, the individual continues to collect their monthly disability while also receiving their earnings. After this Trial Work Period, if the disabled worker continues to work above the earning cap, he/she will not receive a disability payment for any month exceeding the dollar limit but will receive a check for any month which falls below the cap.
The work rules for an individual applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) differ. For every pre-tax $2 earned by an applicant for SSI, the individual loses $1 from their SSI check. They do, however, continue to qualify for the Medicaid coverage provided they are still receiving at least $1 in monthly SSI benefits.
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I understand that this is already a very stressful time in your life and I am dedicated to making the process as smooth and easy as possible.
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It's important for individuals receiving disability benefits who are considering working to speak with a Social Security Lawyer to ensure they are following all the necessary rules and guidelines to avoid losing their benefits or jeopardize their ability to apply for the benefits.
Overall, a Social Security lawyer can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the process of applying for and obtaining Social Security benefits.
If you are looking to apply for Social Security, don’t hesitate to
reach out to me. The earlier in the claim process that you hire a representative, the better. You can retain an attorney before you begin the claims process. You can get an evaluation from your attorney of your claim even before you file. Representation can help you with the initial filing and ensure that important information is correctly provided at the beginning of the claim and throughout the entire claim process. You
do not
have to wait to be denied before you hire an attorney.
ABOUT KELLY
Attorney Kelly McKenna-Cournoyer is a 1992 graduate of Boston College Law School. She has dedicated her legal career to representing her clients and helping them to obtain disability benefits before the Social Security Administration. With more than 30 years experience, Attorney Kelly McKenna-Cournoyer has represented more than 15,000 individuals at their hearings before Administrative Law Judges in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. During her legal career, Kelly has provided extensive training and mentoring to other attorneys in the Rhode Island area. She is licensed to practice law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
15,000+
Represented Clients
U.S
Serves Clients anywhere in the United States.
30+
Years of Experience