Social Security disability applicants often find that they must try to work to eat, both during the wait for approval and after benefits start. If you have applied for Social Security disability, you already know some of the rules. Social Security bases your monthly payment on your work history, once you qualify as disabled by its standards. Social Security determines disability based on medical evidence and your inability to participate in substantial gainful activity. You probably call that work.
Substantial Gainful Activity
If you earn more than $1,000 a month in 2011, you are participating in substantial gainful activity by Social Security standards and do not qualify for Social Security disability. Blind individuals reached substantial gainful activity at $1,640 in 2011. Disabled college students receiving Social Security disability may earn $6,600 a year or $1,640 a month. Social Security encourages working once your benefits are approved and provides work incentives and programs that allow a disability recipient to work, earn income and continue to receive Social Security disability benefits.
Trial Work Period
As of 2011, once your disability benefits begin, you may earn $720 a month during the trial work period and continue to collect full Social Security disability benefits. The trial work period is a rolling five years in which you have nine months of work in excess of $720 or self-employment work in excess of 80 hours in a month. Consecutive working months are not required. Once you complete nine months during the five-year period, you go to the extended period of eligibility.
Extended Period of Eligibility
You have 36 months of extended eligibility when you can work at the substantial gainful activity level of $1,000 and above. The first month you earn over $1,000, you no longer meet the disability standards. Social Security disability pays for that month and two more months as a grace period. If you are still within the 36 months of extended benefits and fall below the substantial gainful activity limit of $1,000, Social Security reinstates your benefits without reapplication. If you lose your job during this extended period, you can fall back on Social Security disability benefits so long as you continue to be disabled. You may get credit for extra expenses caused by working with your disability and reduce your income by some months.
Extended Medical Care
Once you are off Social Security disability, you continue to have medical coverage available through Medicare for 93 months or seven years and nine months. You may qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums through your state as well. You also may qualify for 45 percent reduced premium on Part A or hospitalization insurance coverage if you do not receive free Part A Medicare benefits. Inquire at your local Social Security office for information about your state.
References
- Social Security Online: 2011 Red Book: What's New In 2011?
- Social Security Online: 2011 Red Book: SSDI Only Employment Supports
- Social Security Online: 2011 Red Book: Returning to Work
- Social Security Online: Working While Disabled -- How We Can Help
- Social Security Administration. "Fact Sheet on the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program." Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Benefits Planner: Disability - You're Approved." Accessed April 29, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Benefits Planner: Family Benefits." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "What Is FICA?," Pages 1-2. Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Disability Insurance Trust Fund." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Benefits Planner: Disability - How You Qualify." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "2021 SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES." Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Benefits Planner: Disability - You're Approved." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Benefits Planner - Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefit." Accessed Feb. 22, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "What You Should Know Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits," Page 2. Accessed April 29, 2020.
- Social Security Administration. "Disability Benefits." Accessed April 29, 2020.
Writer Bio
Linda Richard has been a legal writer and antiques appraiser for more than 25 years, and has been writing online for more than 12 years. Richard holds a bachelor's degree in English and business administration. She has operated a small business for more than 20 years. She and her husband enjoy remodeling old houses and are currently working on a 1970s home.