Many people receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) have a hard time making ends meet. Others simply feel better when they are as productive as their health allows and can manage some type of work. If you receive SSD and wish to work, a St. Louis Social Security disability attorney reports that the Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and regulations do permit a SSD recipient to work part-time and continue to receive benefits.
However, it is important to fully understand the specifics in order to make an informed decision; working too much may result in a discontinuation of benefits and perhaps trigger a payback of past benefits.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Much of the SSA’s basis for determining what level of work is permissible is dependent on an understanding of SGA. Generally speaking, if a SSD recipient earns more than the SGA threshold amount, the SSA will consider that individual not to be disabled. For 2015, the SGA amount is $1090. However, the SSA does have a program that permits you to see if your condition has improved sufficiently to allow a return to work.
The Trial Work Period (TWP)
In testing your ability to work during the TWP, you may work and retain all of your SSD benefits. As a St. Louis Social Security disability attorney can explain:
• For 2015, any month a recipient earns more than $780 is considered a trial work month
• The actual amount earned may be greater than the SGA
• The TWP ends once nine months of earnings in excess of $780, not necessarily consecutively, have occurred within in a 60-month period
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
In addition, once you have completed the TWP and you are back working, you may still receive benefits for any month where earnings fall below the SGA amount. This EPE extends for a period of 36 months.
Expedited Reinstatement
If your SSD benefits have been stopped due to earnings in excess of SGA, and subsequently within a five-year period you must cease work activities due to your disability, the SSA will not require a new disability application.
Contact a St. Louis Social Security Disability Attorney for Legal Advice
If you are contemplating working in any capacity while receiving SSD, get the facts before you act. Call St. Louis Social Security Disability Attorney David M. Hicks at 888-588-0001.
