Working Part-Time: Will It Affect My Disability Benefits?
Discover how working part-time may impact your disability benefits and what you need to consider before taking on a job. Additionally, check out other, non-paid & paid disability benefits for yourself or your primary caregiver.
As a general rule of thumb, you have the option to engage in part-time work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits, provided your earnings remain within the income thresholds established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These limits allow you to earn a maximum of $1,260 per month, or $2,110 per month if you are blind, while still maintaining eligibility for your full disability benefits. Additional deductions may also be made to increase your maximum earnings. (source SSA “Working While Disabled Document).
Understanding Disability Benefits
If you are currently receiving disability benefits, it's important to have a clear understanding of how these benefits work. Disability benefits are provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. These benefits are meant to provide financial support to help cover living expenses and medical costs.
Each disability program may have different rules and criteria for eligibility. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your disability program to fully understand how working part-time might impact your benefits.
Impact of Part-Time Work on Benefits
Working part-time while receiving disability benefits can have an impact on the amount of benefits you receive. In most cases, any income you earn from part-time work will be considered when determining your eligibility and benefit amount.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to calculate how much your disability benefits will be reduced based on your earnings. This formula takes into account your countable income, which includes wages, self-employment income, and other forms of income. As your countable income increases, your disability benefits may be reduced.
However, it's important to note that not all income is considered countable. There are certain deductions and exclusions that may apply, such as impairment-related work expenses or certain disability-related accommodations.
It's recommended to consult with the SSA or a disability attorney to understand how your specific earnings will impact your benefits.
Disability benefit individuals who work part-time must keep their earnings inside the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) parameters.
Rules and Regulations
To ensure you comply with the rules and regulations of your disability program, it's crucial to understand the reporting requirements when you start working part-time.
In general, you are able to work part-time while receiving Social Security Disability benefits, provided your earnings remain within the income thresholds established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These limits allow you to earn a maximum of $1,260 per month, or $2,110 per month if you are blind, while still maintaining eligibility for your full disability benefits (source SSA “Working While Disabled Document).
Certain work-related expenses may qualify for deductions, including:
Prescription expenses and copayments
Fees for counseling services
Transportation costs for commuting to and from work
Personal or vocational coaching fees
Expenses related to assistive medical devices.
You may be required to report your earnings to the SSA or the appropriate agency handling your disability benefits. Failure to accurately report your earnings could result in penalties or even the loss of your benefits. It's important to keep track of your income and report it in a timely and accurate manner to avoid any issues.
Additionally, there may be certain limitations on the number of hours you can work or the amount of income you can earn while still receiving disability benefits. Understanding these limitations will help you make informed decisions about your employment options.
Reporting Earnings
When you start working part-time, it's crucial to report your earnings to the appropriate agency handling your disability benefits. This will ensure that your benefits are adjusted accordingly and that you remain in compliance with the rules and regulations of your disability program.
You may be required to provide documentation such as pay stubs or tax records to verify your income. It's important to keep accurate records of your earnings and any related expenses to facilitate the reporting process.
Remember that disability benefit individuals who work part-time must keep their earnings inside the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) parameters!
By promptly reporting your earnings, you can avoid any potential issues or penalties and ensure that your disability benefits are adjusted appropriately.
Additional Disability Benefits: Paid Family Caregivers Through Medicaid or Veteran's Affairs
In some cases, individuals with disabilites may be eligible for additional disability benefits through programs like Medicaid or the Veteran's Affairs (VA) system.
If you are unable to work and on disability benefits, these additional benefits may provide financial compensation to a family member or friend caregiver that cares for you. If you or your case manager decides that you are unable to work part-time due to a disability, we highly suggest you consider looking into getting a family member or friend paid to provide caregiving services to ease the financial burden on of family!
Each program varies by state and may have specific rules and regulations regarding income limits and reporting requirements. It's recommended to consult with the appropriate agency or a disability attorney to fully understand how working part-time as a paid family caregiver may affect your disability benefits. Reach out to an expert at Paid.care if you have any questions on where to start!
