Working Part-Time and Disability Benefits: Will I Lose Them?
Understanding Disability Benefit Eligibility Requirements
To determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits while working part-time, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements for the specific disability program you are enrolled in. Generally, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs require applicants to meet certain criteria.
For SSDI, you must have a disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death, and you must have earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits. In contrast, SSI is a needs-based program that considers an applicant’s income and resources to determine eligibility.
Additionally, both programs require that your medical condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines SGA as earning a certain amount of income per month, which is adjusted annually. In 2023, the SGA limit is $1,350 for non-blind individuals and $2,320 for blind individuals.
It’s crucial to note that working part-time may not necessarily disqualify you from receiving disability benefits. However, your earnings must be below the SGA limit to continue receiving benefits. If you exceed the SGA limit, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and terminate your benefits.
How Earnings Can Impact Disability Benefits
Working part-time while receiving disability benefits can affect the amount of benefits you receive. The SSA calculates your benefit amount based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled. Therefore, if you continue to work and earn income, your future benefits may be reduced.
Under SSDI, the SSA uses a formula to determine your monthly benefit amount. This formula considers your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, and applies a percentage to this amount to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA). If you continue to work and earn income, your AIME may decrease, which could result in a lower PIA and lower future benefits.
For SSI, your benefits are based on your income and resources. If you earn income, your SSI benefit amount may be reduced, as the SSA considers your earned and unearned income when determining eligibility and benefit amounts. However, the first $85 of your monthly earned income is not counted towards your benefit calculation, and there are other deductions and exclusions that may apply.
It’s important to report any earnings to the SSA promptly to ensure that you receive the correct amount of benefits. Failing to report earnings could result in overpayment of benefits, which you may have to repay.
Rules and Guidelines for Working Part-Time and Receiving Disability Benefits
If you are receiving disability benefits and want to work part-time, there are rules and guidelines that you must follow to ensure that you remain eligible for benefits. The SSA offers several work incentives to help individuals with disabilities transition to work and maintain their benefits. Some of these incentives include:
Trial Work Period (TWP): Under the TWP, you can test your ability to work for nine months while still receiving full disability benefits. During this period, you can earn any amount of income without affecting your benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After completing the TWP, you enter the EPE, which lasts for 36 months. During this period, you can continue to receive benefits for any month where you earn below the SGA limit. If you exceed the SGA limit during the EPE, your benefits may be reduced or terminated.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): IRWEs are expenses related to your disability that are necessary for you to work. These expenses can be deducted from your earnings when calculating your SSI benefit amount.
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): The PASS allows you to set aside income and resources to achieve a work goal, such as starting a business or going to school. This income and resources are not counted towards your SSI eligibility or benefit amount.
It’s important to work closely with the SSA and follow these rules and guidelines to ensure that you remain eligible for disability benefits while working part-time. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in a reduction or termination of your benefits.
Strategies for Balancing Work and Disability Benefits
Balancing work and disability benefits can be challenging, but there are strategies you can use to help make the process easier. Here are some tips to consider:
Understand the rules and guidelines: Make sure you understand the rules and guidelines for working while receiving disability benefits. This includes reporting your earnings promptly, following the work incentives offered by the SSA, and adhering to the SGA limit.
Talk to your employer: Consider talking to your employer about your disability and any accommodations you may need to work part-time successfully. This can include flexible work hours, modified duties, or assistive technology.
Manage your workload: Be realistic about your workload and consider your energy levels and any physical limitations you may have. Break your workload into smaller, manageable tasks and take frequent breaks to avoid burnout.
Take care of your health: It’s important to prioritize your health when balancing work and disability benefits. This includes following your treatment plan, taking any necessary medication, and practicing self-care.
Seek support: Consider seeking support from a disability counselor or job coach who can help you navigate the process of working while receiving disability benefits. Additionally, joining a support group or connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable encouragement and advice.
By following these strategies, you can successfully balance work and disability benefits and achieve your career goals.
Seeking Professional Advice and Assistance
If you have questions or concerns about working while receiving disability benefits, it’s essential to seek professional advice and assistance. Here are some resources that can help:
Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA offers information and resources about disability benefits and work incentives. You can contact your local SSA office or visit their website for more information.
Disability advocacy organizations: There are several disability advocacy organizations that can provide advice and support, such as the National Disability Rights Network or the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.
Vocational rehabilitation agencies: Vocational rehabilitation agencies can provide career counseling, job training, and other services to help individuals with disabilities enter or maintain employment.
Disability counselors or job coaches: A disability counselor or job coach can provide one-on-one support and guidance to help you navigate the process of working while receiving disability benefits.
Legal assistance: If you are facing issues related to your disability benefits, such as overpayment or termination of benefits, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance. Legal aid organizations or private attorneys who specialize in disability law can provide advice and representation.
By seeking professional advice and assistance, you can better understand your options and make informed decisions about working while receiving disability benefits.
