Many people filing for Social Security Disability benefits may not have a family member, spouse or friends that can pay their bills or support them while they are out of work. If you are capable of performing substantial gainful work activity, you will not meet the rules for disability. Social Security has certain rules for determining what is considered gainful work activity. SSA considers any month your earnings exceed $1,470.00 for the year 2023 to be substantial gainful work. This is based on gross income.
There are different rules for those who are blind as well as different rules for those filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you are filing for SSI benefits, the amount of your SSI benefit can be reduced based on earnings. This limit is different in some states, but the overall federal benefit amount for SSI in 2023 is $914.00. SSA does not consider the first $20.00 of all income and the first $65.00 of earned income. However, after that, your gross wages will reduce any applicable SSI benefit by one dollar for every 2 dollars made.
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits are there for when you are no longer able to work due to severe impairments. SSA does not take into account your debt, your mortgage, your loans, or way of living in determining your monthly benefit or income. However, they do understand the financial strain this puts on individuals and families. Usually, if you are only capable of part time work which is less than the limits noted above, this work will not affect your disability determination.
SSA is a long process for many individuals and all too often results in the loss of possessions, homes, and even homelessness. The initial and reconsideration processes alone are in a 9 to 12 month back log for each stage of the determination. Many people have already been waiting two years or more by the time they reach the hearing level.
There are lots of rules to working while filing for Social Security benefits, call one of the experienced disability representatives at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation. Gardberg & Kemmerly specialize in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.