Memphis SSD Benefits Attorney – John E. Dunlap PC
One common question that our SSD law office receives is, “Can I work part time and still receive my SSD benefits?” In fact, there are countless individuals in the Memphis area who are afraid that getting a job will dramatically affect their SSD benefits. Fortunately, this is not the case, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a whole collection of specific rules suitable for individuals to continue receiving SSD benefits while trying to get a part-time or even a full-time job. By understanding these regulations, it is possible to receive benefits and get back into the labor force.
If you need legal counsel or representation with any SSD benefit issues, you are applying for benefits or appealing a denial of benefits, or anything related to disability benefits, call Memphis attorney John E. Dunlap today for a free consultation. In the meantime, continue reading below for more information on working part-time while receiving SSD benefits.
Substantial Gainful Activity Limits
The SSA allows you to work while receiving benefits as long as your earnings don’t exceed the amount set annually by the SSA. This limit is known as “substantial gainful activity (SGA),” and as of 2016, the limit is $1,130 per month ($1,820 for blind applicants). Therefore, if you make under $1,130, you’ll still be eligible for disability benefits.
In addition to the dollar amount, the SSA will also look at how many hours you work every week. For instance, if you make less than $1,130 a month but you work about 32 hours a week, it will be difficult to reasonably convince the SSA that you’re disabled.
Trial Work Periods
After you successfully apply for disability benefits, the SGA limit still applies; however, you’ll have to go through what’s known as a “trial work period.” This work period is essentially your chance to experiment with finding a job while still receiving full monthly benefits. The trial work period consists of nine months (of which don’t have to be consecutive over a 60-month period).
During these months, you can work and make as much as you want without reducing your monthly benefits, and a trial work month counts if you make more than $810 or if you work more than 80 hours in the month. All monthly earnings before taxes apply to the threshold. Following the trial work period, you can enter into the Extended Period of Eligibility that lasts for 36 months.
Call Our Memphis Law Office for SSD Legal Counsel
In addition to SGA and trial work periods, there are many other part-time work situations that could affect your monthly SSD benefits. This can include the Ticket to Work program, medical care coverage, special rules for self-employed individuals, and exceptions to the SGA limit. As such, it is safe to say that there are many complexities with SSD benefits while you’re working part-time. Fortunately, with years of experience as an SSD lawyer in Memphis, attorney John E. Dunlap has encountered most situations.
Our law office provides legal counsel and representation for individuals applying for benefits or appealing a denial of benefits, or navigating through the complex SSA system. Our law office is located at 3294 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, or you can call us for a free consultation at (901) 320-1603.