Many people with disabilities desire to be gainfully employed. With a disability, doing so can be nearly impossible. If you have a disability, you may be wondering whether you can work part-time while receiving disability benefits. You are not alone. Many people have concerns over whether they can have a part-time job and qualify for or continue to receive benefits.
Discuss Your Case With a Las Vegas Disability Lawyer
Recipients of Social Security Disability are allowed to receive a limited amount of income through a part-time job while they are disabled. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we will carefully review your case and help you understand your options for obtaining Social Security benefits. Contact Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas today to discuss your case and let us put our skills to work for you.
When Can Working a Part-Time Job Affect Your Claim for Disability Benefits?
The issue of working part-time while disabled can negatively or positively affect your claim for disability benefits before and after your benefits have been awarded. If you have tried to work after becoming disabled and you’re no longer able to do it, you will have the support of documentation showing your need for disability benefits. If you can work with a disability, it’s a significant accomplishment. You may still be able to qualify for disability benefits while working part-time.
Working a Part-Time Job and Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
As an applicant for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet specific criteria. If you have a part-time job, you will only be able to make up to a certain amount to qualify for Social Security benefits. For most people, how many hours you work won’t be as important as how much money you earn per month from your part-time job.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your part-time income and decide whether you’re engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A substantial gainful activity (SGA) means that you earn a certain monthly amount from your part-time job, minus your disability-related work costs. The monthly SGA amount for blind individuals is $2,190. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount is $1,310. It’s essential to check your SGA every year, as the limit does increase.
How Many Hours Can I Work Part-Time While Still Keeping My Disability Benefits?
Typically, the Social Security Administration considers how much money you earn per month, not how many hours you work to decide whether you qualify for benefits. If you earn more than $1,310 as a non-blind individual, the Social Security Administration will consider you “self-supporting” and not qualify for Social Security benefits. If you are not self-employed and you’re working close to full-time, working 40 hours or more per week, the Social Security Administration may deny you benefits. The more hours you work, the harder it will be to prove that you are entitled to benefits.
Qualifying for Benefits While Self-Employed
However, the Social Security Administration will consider how many hours you work if you are self-employed or the head of a business, such as a corporation or LLC. When you are self-employed, you may work hours without being paid on an hourly basis. The SSA will consider how many hours you work per month plus your monthly income in these scenarios.
In most cases, the Social Security administration allows an applicant to work up to 45 hours per month, or 10 hours per week, if you’re self-employed and receiving disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will also consider whether you’re the only employee working for your business. In short, if you’d like to qualify for benefits while self-employed, you’ll need to show that you are not earning SGA and that you’re not working too many hours.
The Trial Work Period
What happens if you become disabled, stop working, and then decide to try working again on a part-time basis. In this scenario, you may assume that you would have to reapply for benefits all over again. However, the Social Security Administration has special rules called Work Incentives. Even after you’ve been awarded benefits, you may still be able to work part-time due to the Social Security administration’s trial work period. During this time, you’ll be able to see whether you can re-enter the workforce.
The first stage is called the Trial Work Period. You can test your ability to work with your disability for at least nine months during this stage. You will still receive your full SSDI benefit payments no matter how much money you earn from your job. You will need to report all of your work activity honestly and keep meeting the Social Security administration’s disability rules.
The Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work Program supports career development for people aged 18-64 who receive benefits and would like to work. The program is voluntary and free, helping people with disabilities move toward financial independence.
If you would like to pursue part-time work but are concerned about losing your benefits, one of the best things you can do is discuss your case with a lawyer. One of the skilled lawyers at Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, can explain the Social Security Administration’s wage and work reporting requirements and assist you with reporting your earnings.
Talk to a Las Vegas Social Security Disability Lawyer for Part-Time Workers Today
Many disabled individuals struggle to obtain the SSDI benefits they deserve. If you are concerned about losing your benefit for working part-time or not qualifying, we recommend contacting Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas. With decades of experience helping Las Vegas residents qualify for benefits, we know how to help you with your SSDI case. Contact us today for your free initial consultation to learn more about our Social Security disability lawyers.