If you've recently been diagnosed with a disabling condition at a relatively young age, you may be dismayed at the prospect of spending the rest of your working years unemployed while receiving federal disability benefits. Fortunately, even if you decide to file and collect these benefits during the initial stages of your illness, you may be able to return to work on a part-time or provisional basis and continue receiving these benefits until you're certain your foray into the working world will maintain some stability. Read on to learn more about how the Social Security Disability (SSD) program allows you to continue working while receiving disability benefits.
When can you keep working while receiving SSD benefits?
There are some situations in which a disabling condition may prevent someone from holding down gainful employment for months, years or even decades, but with retraining or treatment options, the person may be able to return to the workforce. But because disability benefits can be crucial to maintaining a minimal standard of living and ensuring bills are paid, it can be tough for those receiving these benefits to make the decision to stop benefits and return to work. This is even truer in situations where you're not sure you'll be able to hold down full-time employment for long.
But if you're receiving federal disability benefits through the SSD program, you can return to work during a trial work period and continue to receive benefits in addition to your work income. As long as you're making less than $1,180 per month in non-SSD income during your trial work period, your benefits won't be suspended. If you earn more than this amount, your benefits may be reduced for the month in which your earnings exceed $1,180, but you'll be able to continue in the trial work program.
And if you return to work, cease SSD payments, and your disability recurs within five years from the date you stopped receiving benefits, you'll be able to begin receiving your SSD benefits without going through the application process again. Instead, you'll simply file a notice with the Social Security Administration to indicate that you'd like your benefits to start again.
Should you seek employment while receiving disability benefits?
Gainful employment can be both financially and personally rewarding. If you're interested in rejoining the workforce but aren't sure you have the stamina for full-time employment, taking advantage of the trial work period program can help you dip your toe back into the workforce pool without putting your benefits or financial security at risk.
For more information, contact your preferred disability attorney services.
Share9 April 2018
There are so many legal situations that you can find yourself involved with, but do those situations really require that you hire an attorney? Some instances you may not need an attorney working with you, but in other situations, an attorney is definitely a necessity. This blog contains tips and advice for working through the different elements of the legal system. You will find information that can help you determine if/when you need to hire an attorney to represent your best interests. Knowing this information can help you avoid the costly mistake of taking on the legal system without someone who knows how the system works.
