Working while getting Disability - is it possible?

Yes, it is possible to work while getting disability. However, an individual who does this needs to be mindful of at least two things.

The first is that though while working and getting disability benefits from the social security administration is allowed, to continue to qualify for benefits an individual cannot earn more than substantial gainful activity. What is substantial gainful activity? It is a monetary amount for monthly earnings and individuals who earn at least this amount each month are not eligible for disability (to learn what the current SGA amount is, you should contact a local social security office as it changes annually).

The second issue, however, is that work activity can trigger a medical review of a claimant's case prior to when a review might ordinarily have occurred. Sometimes, this can mean being reviewed years earlier than might have been the case.

Individuals who feel, of course, that their condition is improving and would possibly like to return to work should not feel discourgaged from working. However, they should be mindful of the fact that work activity and earnings implicitly carry with them the possibility of affecting one's disability benefits.






For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center















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