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Many individuals who receive disability benefits wonder if they can return to work without losing their financial support. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows recipients to work within certain limits, but it’s important to follow the rules to avoid disrupting your benefits. Key concepts like substantial gainful activity (SGA) and trial work periods are central to this balance, so let’s break them down.
What Substantial Gainful Activity Means
The SSA evaluates whether your work activity qualifies as substantial gainful activity, or SGA, to determine your eligibility for disability benefits. For 2024, the SGA earnings limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for those who are blind. Earning above these thresholds could result in the SSA determining you’re no longer disabled under their guidelines.
It’s important to know that not all income counts toward SGA. Certain deductions, like work-related expenses specifically tied to your disability insurance claim, can reduce the total income considered. For example, if you rely on specialized equipment or require transportation assistance, those costs may lower your reported earnings.
How The Trial Work Period Helps
The SSA allows a trial work period (TWP) to encourage recipients to test their ability to work without the immediate risk of losing benefits. During this period, you can work and earn any amount while still receiving your monthly disability payments. The TWP lasts for nine months within a rolling 60-month period, and these months don’t need to be consecutive.
For 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,050 counts toward the TWP. Once this phase ends, you enter a 36-month extended eligibility period. During this time, benefits continue as long as your earnings remain below the SGA threshold. If your income exceeds that limit, payments stop, but they can restart if your income drops below SGA again during this period.
Avoiding Common Issues
Several situations can jeopardize benefits if not handled carefully. One frequent problem is failing to report changes in income or work status. The SSA requires timely updates on employment, and neglecting to report changes can lead to overpayments. These must be repaid, creating financial stress.
Another pitfall occurs when individuals assume staying under the SGA threshold guarantees uninterrupted benefits. While income is a key factor, the SSA may also evaluate whether your work demonstrates the ability to sustain employment. This includes factors like hours worked or the responsibilities of your job.
Additionally, some may mistakenly think that certain types of work, such as part-time or freelance, are automatically excluded from SSA evaluation. However, all earnings and activities related to work must be reported, regardless of the type or structure.
Legal Support Provides Clarity
Attorneys like those at Brenner Hubble LLC can attest to the importance of having a legal advocate to help you address questions about reporting income, using work incentives, and addressing SSA decisions.
If you have questions about how your employment may impact your benefits, reaching out to a disability lawyer is a smart move. These professionals can help you stay informed about the rules and avoid errors that could cost you your benefits. Protect your financial security by seeking advice before taking action.
