If you are affected by a disability and are no longer able to work at your job, you may be qualified for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once you apply, the amount of money you earn and the way you earn it is monitored on an ongoing basis. Those who are approved for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) have some strict limits placed on income. Read on to learn more about income, assets, and SSDI.
Your work-income limits
If you can work and earn income, you may not really need SSDI. That is the way the SSA looks at applicants who wish to add to the amount they are getting from the SSDI by going back to work. In most cases, it can be challenging to make a living from the amount you get, the average of which was just $1,197 for 2018. The amount is based on your previous earnings, so it could be far less than that.
Your other income limits
There are other ways to have money coming in, however, and fortunately, the SSA does not place limits on other forms of income, just the income earned from actually working at a job. If you have the following forms of income added, it won't be counted by the SSA:
1. Money your spouse earns
2. Money used for certain disability-related expenses
3. Money (interest) from investment accounts, savings accounts, stocks and bonds, etc.
4. Money from rental properties
5. Money given as gifts to you
6. Lottery or gambling winnings
How much can you earn at a job?
As of 2018, there is a limit of $1,180 per month on job earnings, but the amount is only part of the issue. If you are doing the same or similar work as you were doing before you became disabled, then the SSA may suspend or end your benefits even if the income earned is below the limit.
Asset limits
There are two types of SSA programs for those who are unable to work, and they are sometimes confused with each other. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is aimed at those who don't have enough work history to qualify for SSDI. With SSI, not only is income monitored but having too many assets can also keep you from qualifying for benefits. The things listed above that can be considered "unearned income" would likely be disallowed with SSI. With SSDI, however, your assets are irrelevant. You can live in a mansion and have 10 cars and still get SSDI benefits.
This benefit is not a given, and a lot of applicants get turned down. Speak to a Social Security attorney for help with your appeal hearing and get approved for the benefits you need.
For more information, contact a disability lawyer like those at Parmele Law Firm, PC.
Share5 May 2018
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