There’s a misconception that once a person has been declared disabled, they can never do any sort of paid work again or their benefits will be discontinued.
This isn’t entirely true.
Many people who receive disability benefits still want to stay busy and feel like they’re doing something productive. Others find it difficult to get by only on their disability benefits.
Because of this, Social Security regulations don’t completely discourage those receiving benefits from working.
Those receiving benefits who aren’t blind can work part time and make up to $1,130/month as of 2016. This amount increases slightly every year to reflect the cost of living.
Many individuals who have been disabled are able to find part-time work with their churches, charities, or friends.
Some employers will go out of their way to create accommodating positions that allow the disabled to work a few hours a week.
However, if you do decide to work after receiving social security benefits, it’s important to always keep in mind the guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration.
If you receive more than $1,130 per month, you’ll be disqualified from receiving further disability benefits.
The SSA will also seek reimbursement for any overpayments that it makes to you if you exceed this amount.
It’s also important to consider the type of work that you’re doing part-time may affect your benefits. If you are disabled due to a mental disability and spend a few hours a week cleaning a church, this will likely not be a problem.
However, if you have been awarded benefits for a back injury and get a part-time job as a stocker at a grocery store, the SSA will likely question whether it should continue paying your benefits.
Because the issue of working after receiving benefits can be somewhat complicated, it’s important to contact an experienced disability attorney before you embark on returning to work in any capacity.
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