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CAN YOU APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSDI) WHILE STILL WORKING?

 If you apply for Social Security disability while working full time you will be automatically denied.  They won't even consider your medical conditions.  However, you can apply for disability benefits if you are working part-time and keep your wages below "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) level.

So, how much can you earn from work and still apply for SSDI?  The amount changes year to year based on inflation.  In 2023 the amount of SGA is $1,470 per month.  If you earn less than that amount you can apply for Social Security disability. A spouse's wages or other family income will not hinder Social Security benefits. 

Applying for disability benefits can be quite a dilemma.  If you quit working can you support yourself while trying to get disability approved?  If you cut back to earning less than $1,470 per month, will that be enough to make ends meet? 

Also to be considered:  It may take a long time to get SSDI approved.  Even if approved quickly, there is no SSDI benefit during the first 5 months of disability because of the waiting period.

So, the decision to stop working and apply for SSDI is a serious one.

Yet, if you force yourself to continue working--are you going to further harm your health or make your medical problems even worse?

DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER DISABILITY INSURANCE?

If your employer offers short-term and long-term disability insurance, this may be a solution.  This type of insurance is usually much quicker and easier to get than Social Security disability.  And you may receive disability payments from an insurance company while applying for SSDI.  So, check with your employer's human resource manager before you stop working to see if this benefit is available. It could bridge the gap between employment and Social Security disability.

At the Forsythe Firm, we try to help individuals answer important questions about disability as they make decisions about work and SSDI applications.  If you decide to apply for Social Security disability (SSDI), we may be able to help you through the process.  You may call us for a free consultation without obligation.

Note:  SSDI has no income restriction.  It has a work restriction.  If you work at substantial gainful activity, you have proven to Social Security that you are not disabled because you can work.

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The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville - (256) 799-0297.

 


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