social security disability

Does social security care if you are working when you are applying for disability?


 
It's very typical for social security representatives and even employees of the social security adminstration to respond to this question by stating that, no, an individual who is filing for disability cannot be working when they apply. However, that answer is only partially correct at best. In literal terms, it is quite wrong.

Can you work and apply for disability? Yes, as long as your earnings are not in excess of the earnings limit, otherwise known as the substantial gainful activity amount, or SGA amount. As long as a person's earnings are less than this amount, they can file a claim for disability benefits under the social security disability or SSI disability program. In fact, an individual who has already been approved for SSD or SSI disability benefits can also work, as long as their gross monthly earnings are less than the SGA amount that is in effect for a given year.

What happens if you apply for disability at a social security office and you have earnings in excess of the SGA limit? Even if an application is technically taken, it will not be processed. That is, it will not be assigned to a disability examiner who would ordinarily request medical records and evaluate them.

What happens if you are receiving disability benefits and you have earnings in excess of the SGA limit? It may cause you to go through what are known as your trial work months and it may trigger a work review of your claim.














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  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Information Pages












    Topics and Questions


  • If you get denied on a disability appeal can you get another appeal ?

  • The Social Security Disability Approval

  • Social Security Disability, SSI and Being Over the Age of Fifty, 50

  • What Can You Do TO Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Reconsideration Gets Approved?

  • Speeding up the Request for a Social Security Hearing - Documentation that is needed

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for My Social Security Disability Hearing?

  • How Long Does Your Attorney Have To File Your Social Security Disability Appeal?

  • Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job?

  • Social Security Disability and the Job that You Worked

  • Where are Social Security Disability and SSI hearings held?

  • How Far Back Can SSI Back Pay Be Paid?

  • Are SSI Disability Claims Handled Differently Than Social Security Disability Claims?

  • How does the Social Security disability (and SSI) appeals process work?

  • What happens when you go to a Social Security disability hearing ?

  • Social Security Notice of Denial for a Disability Application or Appeal

  • Social Security Disability Hearing-How Do I Request One?

  • What Does It Mean If you Are Denied For Disability Because Of Other Work?

  • If I Get Denied Twice For Disability, What Do I Do?

  • When Social Security Disability Is Awarded Do You Get A Notice, And What Does It Say?

  • How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?

  • How Long Does It Take To Get SSDI If You Have To Appeal?














    Special Sections


  • Answers to Social Security Disability and SSI Questions

  • Social Security Disability SSI - Income and Financial Issues

  • Social Security Representation Questions

  • Medical Evidence, Records, and Limitations

  • The Social Security Hearing Process







    Return to Social Security Disability Resource Center


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    Return to -- Social Security Appeals Time Limit

    Return to -- Can I Talk To the Disability Examiner Working On My Case?

    Return to -- What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

    Return to -- Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability Lawyers and 25% Back Pay

    Return to -- Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

    Return to -- What Is The Difference In SSD and SSI?

    Return to -- How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

    Return to -- Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

    Return to -- Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI Blog ,

    Return to -- Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

    Return to -- How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

    Return to -- The first appeal in a social security disability or SSI case

    Return to -- Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI, Medical and Mental Conditions and Problems

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers - Questions about Hiring a Disability Attorney

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers in Various States