If you’re receiving disability benefits in Ohio, you might wonder if you can work without jeopardizing your benefits. The short answer is: it depends.
Many rules surround work and disability benefits, but understanding them can help you maintain your financial stability and independence. An experienced disability lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio can assist you to understand legal nuances in your case.
Understanding Disability Benefits in Ohio
It’s important to understand the two main types of disability benefits available:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) but have different eligibility requirements and rules regarding work activity.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability and have enough work credits based on your age and work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program that provides benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.
Unlike SSDI, SSI doesn’t require a work history, but it does have strict income and asset limits.
Working While Receiving SSDI in Ohio
If you’re receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA allows you to test your ability to work through what’s called a Trial Work Period (TWP). Here’s what you need to know:
Trial Work Period (TWP)
- During the TWP, you can work for 9 months within a rolling 60-month period without losing your benefits.
- In 2024, any month where you earn more than $1,110 (or work more than 80 hours if you’re self-employed) counts as a TWP month.
- Your benefits continue in full during the TWP, regardless of how much you earn.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
- After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
- During the EPE, you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024.
- If your earnings exceed the SGA level, your benefits may be suspended, but you can easily reinstate them if your earnings drop below SGA or you stop working within the EPE.
Expedited Reinstatement
- Even after the EPE ends, if you find that you can’t continue working due to your disability, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement of your benefits within 5 years.
Working While Receiving SSI in Ohio
The rules for working while receiving SSI are different from those for SSDI. Here’s what SSI recipients need to know:
Income Limits
- SSI has strict income limits. In 2024, the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
- Not all income counts toward these limits. The SSA uses a complex formula to determine your “countable income.”
Earned Income Exclusion
- The SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income plus half of the remaining earnings when calculating your SSI benefit.
- This means you can often work part-time and still receive some SSI benefits.
Student Earned Income Exclusion
- If you’re under 22 and regularly attending school, you may be eligible for the Student Earned Income Exclusion.
- In 2024, this allows you to exclude up to $2,220 of earned income per month, up to an annual maximum of $8,950.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
- The cost of certain items and services you need to work due to your disability can be deducted from your earnings when determining your SSI benefit.
- Examples include specialized transportation, medical devices, and work-related equipment.
Special Considerations for Ohio Residents
While most disability benefit rules are federal, there are some Ohio-specific programs and considerations to keep in mind:
Ohio Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities
- This program allows individuals with disabilities to work and earn more while maintaining Medicaid coverage.
- Participants pay a premium based on their income but can have higher income and resource limits than standard Medicaid.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Ohio Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.
- These services can include job training, assistive technology, and job placement assistance.
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)
- This program, available through Disability Rights Ohio, provides free legal advocacy for Social Security beneficiaries who want to work or are working.
If you’re considering working while receiving disability benefits in Ohio, this is what you need to do:
- Communicate with the SSA: Always report any changes in your work activity or earnings to the Social Security Administration promptly.
- Keep good records: Maintain detailed records of your work hours, earnings, and any work-related expenses.
- Understand your benefits: Take the time to fully understand how work will affect your specific benefits. Consider consulting with a benefits counselor or an attorney specializing in disability law.
- Take advantage of work incentives: Explore programs like Ticket to Work, which can help you access employment services while protecting your benefits.
- Plan for success: Set realistic goals and consider starting with part-time work to test your capabilities without risking your benefits.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a disability lawyer for guidance and support.
Talk to a Disability Lawyer Today
Working while receiving disability benefits in Ohio is possible, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the rules. The ability to work, even part-time, can provide not only financial benefits but also a sense of purpose and independence. However, the process needs to be handled carefully to ensure you maintain the benefits you need.
At Liner Legal, LLC, we understand disability law and are here to help you make informed decisions about working while receiving benefits. If you have questions about your specific situation or need assistance with a disability claim, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team.
Remember, every situation is unique, and the rules can change. Always verify current information with the Social Security Administration or a qualified social security disability attorneys before making decisions that could affect your benefits.
