Working from home has become more commonplace during the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This development has provided opportunities for some people who, in certain situations, are unable to work. This group includes disabled workers who receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits.
This raises the question of whether you as a person who relies on SSD benefits may work part-time. The answer is “yes.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) gives you the green light to work, however, the agency places certain restrictions on the amount you may earn with this opportunity.
A cap on earning amount
If you choose to work while receiving SSD benefits, you must understand that the SSA limits the amount of money you can earn and still qualify for these benefits. That amount is $1,350 per month. If you are blind, the amount is $2,260 per month.
In most cases, if you earn more than that limit, you cannot collect SSD benefits. The exception to this is if you participate in an SSA work incentives program. Such programs focus on getting SSD recipients to return to the workforce without losing benefits.
Ticket to Work and trial work period
The most well-known such SSA platform is the Ticket to Work program. Introduced in 1999, Ticket to Work helps recipients find jobs and provides career development while reducing their reliance on SSD benefits.
SSD recipients also are allowed a trial work period of up to nine months. This allows you to test whether you can work. During this trial period, you will receive full SSD benefits no matter how much you earn. You can do this if you report your work and still have a disability. The nine-month trial period may be spread over five years.
Opportunities exist
There are opportunities to work while receiving SSD benefits. But make sure that you have the stamina and ability to perform the job. Remember the limitations of how much you can earn and the limitations that your body also may have.
