If you are struggling with a disability, you already know that it can be difficult in many ways – not the least of which is financial. When a disability renders you unable to work and earn an income as you otherwise normally would, you may feel a great deal of stress, and that’s understandable. It can be intimidating and overwhelming to face a mounting stack of bills without regularly earning an income.
As a result, you may wonder if you qualify for disability benefits and, if so, how much you can earn. You may also have other questions, like – can I receive disability benefits and bring in additional income simultaneously? These are important questions to ask. Let’s take a closer look at the answers together.
A Closer Look At Potential Benefits
The Social Security Administration provides two types of disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI benefits are benefits that the Social Security Administration pays to individuals with a qualifying medical condition that renders them disabled for one calendar year or more, and who worked a qualifying job through which they regularly paid a portion of their salary to the Social Security Administration.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Like SSDI benefits, those who receive SSI benefits must have a qualifying medical condition that renders them disabled for one calendar year or more. Unlike SSDI benefits, however, those who receive SSI benefits need not have worked a job through which they paid into the Social Security system. They do, however, have to have income and resources below a certain threshold established by the Social Security Administration to receive benefits.
There are maximum limits on the amount of SSDI and SSI benefits that an individual might receive in a given year. In 2023, the maximum available amount of SSDI benefits was $3,627 per month, and the maximum amount of SSI benefits was $914 per individual, or $1,371 per couple.
The amount of benefits you might receive will depend not only on whether or not you’re receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, but also on various other factors. Those factors will include your work history, the salary you earned, how much you paid into the system, and a variety of other factors depending upon your unique circumstances.
It is important to realize, however, that the benefits you receive will generally not depend on your particular condition. While blind individuals receive more than others, as a general rule, the medical condition itself does not affect the benefits received. Those amounts are instead determined based on the other factors mentioned.
Can I Earn Additional Income And Still Receive Benefits?
If you are approved for and receive either SSDI or SSI benefits, you should be aware that earning additional income above and beyond certain limits may impact your continued receipt of benefits. The Social Security Administration will monitor additional income received, so it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the limits and rules that apply.
Generally, the Social Security Administration will allow some amount of additional income to be earned – although there are definite limits. The good news is that in 2023, the earning limits for those receiving SSDI benefits increased. Currently, the “substantial gainful activity” or SGA limit is $2,460 per month for blind individuals, and $1,470 per month for those who are not blind. Consistently earning more than the monthly income limit may result in a loss of SSDI benefits.
Those who want to earn additional income may enter into a “trial work period” – but there are limits on the amount of time that can be worked and income earned before benefits are ultimately discontinued. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting with an attorney who knows and understands the law and can provide advice regarding managing your finances while receiving SSDI benefits will be essential. At Liner Legal, we’re here for you.
The Liner Legal Law Firm – Here For You
Legal matters can be complicated – and the process of pursuing the disability benefits you need and deserve is no exception. When you’re struggling with a disability, you should focus on seeking the treatment you need and enjoying life with those you love. You don’t need to spend your time worrying about complex legal matters, and you don’t need the headache and worry of wondering if you’ve done all you can to assert your rights. Instead, you can leave those matters to us.
At Liner Legal, our knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys understands every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits. We’ll fight for you, so you can focus on moving forward to a better and brighter chapter ahead. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
