WHY YOU CAN'T GET SSDI BENEFITS WHILE YOU ARE WORKING

Social Security rules do not permit you to collect disability benefits while you are engaged in "substantial gainful activity" or SGA.  

Work activity is considered to be "substantial" if you are working 30 hours per week or more OR if you have gross earnings of at least $1,170 per month.  (This number goes to $1,080 in calendar year 2018).

In short, working proves to Social Security that you are "able to work."  Being able to work disqualifies you for disability benefits.

May a person work part-time, earn below $1,180 and still be disabled?  Yes, that is possible.  However, the closer you get to the SGA amount ($1,180 in 2018)--the trickier it gets to prove disability.  For example, a person earning $1,165 may technically fall below the SGA threshhold, but decision makers may see that as demonstrating the ability to work.  "If you can earn $1,165, you could earn $1,180." 

If you feel you have a legitimate disability claim,* you may want to speak to a disability attorney or advocate who represents claimants with Social Security.  He or she will be able to evaluate your situation and advise you on a course of action.  My firm offers free initial consultations and we never collect a fee for representation (or any service) until you win and get paid.

FORSYTHE FIRM: SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE 

CALL (256) 799-0297

 

Comments

  1. NORTH ALABAMA DISABILITYDecember 22, 2017 at 1:41 PM

    *A "legitimate" disability claim is a disability so severe that you are not able to perform any full-time work, including self-employment and which can be proven with medical evidence. Please note that in order to get SSDI benefits, a person must have worked and paid sufficient FICA taxes into Social Security for the required number of quarters. Your Social Security office can tell you whether you have worked enough to have earned the minimum quarters of work coverage.

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