Can I Work Part-time and Still Receive My Disability Benefits?

It’s not uncommon for disability benefits claims to take a long period before they are approved. In Melbourne, Florida, disability benefits applications can take a period of up to 678 days before they are approved. Consequently, only 28% of these applications are approved in the first stage. This can become a problem since some people are unable to meet basic needs. Although you can apply for back pay benefits after the disability benefits have been approved, it can be difficult to meet your needs. Therefore the big question is whether one can work part-time and still be eligible for disability benefits.

One can work part-time while the social security disability benefits application is being processed. However, your earnings should not exceed the amount set by Social Security each year. The set amount by Social Security is referred to as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you make more than this amount, the SSDI assumes that you can do a substantial amount of work, thus making it difficult to be eligible for disability benefits. The SGA limit for 2021 is $2,190 per month for blind applicants and $1,310 per month in general.

On the other hand, Social Security considers the amount of hours you are able to work. It will be challenging to convince the Social Security administration that you are disabled if you work for 32 hours a week even though you earn less than the set SGA limit amount.

Working part-time after disability benefits have been approved

Once you start receiving benefits, the rules change. If you are receiving benefits from the social security disability insurance (SSDI), you can work part-time within a “trial work period” with the SGA limit still in place. This Trial work period comprises of 9 months which after that, the SSDI will discontinue your disability benefits if you continue working.

On the other hand, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the SGA limit of $1,310 applies only during your first month of benefit. The SSI does not have a set income limit for those working part-time, but if you are earning more money, you will be receiving lower SSI payments. Additionally, if you are making an income of $1,600 per month, the SSI payments are reduced to zero.

Working part-time can help you earn more money, but there are many risks associated with it, especially if your medical condition is serious. Social Security can deny your claim if they find you working part-time before applying for disability.