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• Social Security Disability

Blog

Social Security Disability

• Understanding the Difference Between Long-Term Disability Insurance and Social Security Disability
• Social Security Will Stop Mailing Earnings Statements
• Requirements for Social Security Mental Disability
• Tips for Applying for Social Security Disability

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News

Social Security Disability

• Social Security Administration Responsible for $8 Billion in Improper Payments...
  Posted on 6/16/2011
• Social Security payments to be made electronically...
  Posted on 6/17/2010

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Library

Social Security Disability

• How Will the Derrick Law Firm Handle Your Social Security Disability Claim Differently?
• Mistakes made that could hurt your chances of qualifying for disability

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How much can you earn and still receive Disability benefits?

A:

Social Security has special rules called "work incentives" that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. For example, there is a trial work period during which you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment.

The trial work period continues until you accumulate nine months (not necessarily consecutive) in which you perform what we call  "services" within a rolling 60-month period. We consider your work to be "services" if you earn more than $700 a month in 2009.  For 2008, this amount was $670.

After the trial work period ends, your benefits will stop for months your earnings are at a level we consider "substantial," currently $980 in 2009. For 2008, this amount was $940.  Different amounts apply to people who are disabled because of blindness. The monthly substantial amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2009 is $1,640; for 2008 this amount was $1,570.

For more information about work incentives, we recommend that you read the leaflet, Working While Disabled-How We Can Help (SSA Publication Number 05-10095).

Consumer Guides

The Truth About Your Social Security Disability Claim

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Contact Form

Video Library

Social Security Disability:

• Real Stories about Social Security
• Changes in Medicare Laws
• Social Security: Let Someone Know

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FAQs

Social Security Disability

• I applied for disability benefits 3 months ago and still haven't received an answer. When should I expect to be notified of the decision? 

• Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

• I am receiving Social Security disability benefits.  Will my benefits be affected if I work and earn money?

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