how much $ allowed to make per month? - Disabilities Message Board

Claudia08 · 08-07-2009, 01:29 PM

If I get a PT job, how much am I allowed to make per month under disability guidelines?

rayefaye · 08-07-2009, 08:31 PM

Hi Claudia, you have to make at least $700 a month for them to consider that you're working. You are allowed to make up to $980 and remember this is before any taxes are taken out. So if you have a month with 5 pay periods in it be sure to keep your hrs down for that month so you won't go over.

Executor · 08-08-2009, 08:25 PM

rayefay is right in her numbers. However, it's a little complicated for those who don't exactly how things are figured out. I would highly recommend you go to the SS site and read up on working while on SS. The rules are very specific and you don't want to jeopardize your benefits by not knowing the rules..

First, there is what they call the "trial work period." The trial work period allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months. During your trial work period, you will receive your full Social Security benefits regardless of how much you are earning as long as you report your work activity and you continue to have a disabling impairment. In 2009, a trial work month is any month in which your total earnings are $700 or more, or, if you are self-employed, you earn more than $700 (after expenses) or spend more than 80 hours in your own business. The trial work period continues until you have worked nine months within a 60-month period.

If you make less than $700 in any month, then it's not considered a "trial month period. Essentially, you could make less than $700 forever and never be considered any "trial work."

Once you have 9 months of trial work, then there is what they call the "extended period of eligibility. After your trial work period (9 months of over $700), you have 36 months during which you can work and still receive benefits for any month your earnings are not “substantial.” In 2009, earnings of $980 or more ($1,640 if you are blind) are considered substantial. No new application or disability decision is needed for you to receive a Social Security disability benefit during this period. If you make over $980 in any month, your benefits will stop.

After your benefits stop because your earnings are substantial, you have five years during which you may ask SS to start your benefits immediately if you find yourself unable to continue working because of your condition. You will not have to file a new disability application and you will not have to wait for your benefits to start while your medical condition is being reviewed to make sure you are still disabled.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Ex

mscat40 · 08-09-2009, 02:38 PM

OK , Executor
what you just posted was for people who are on disablilty> That is all correct.
However there is a huge difference from those who want to work while still waiting to get on disability. You are able to work a little as long as you do not work so many hrs a month, or reach the substaniel Gainful Activity Amount. Otherwise known as SGA. Every year the SGA goes up . it is enough to work P/T. As long as the person DOES nOT go over the SGA including TAX it is ok to work a limited amount each month.
Claudia, go to the Social Security Administration Website and look up the SGA amounts for 2009. If i were you i would stay a lot . below that amount allowed. You will be fine.
I worked and applied , was in the process of a claim, it had no affect whatsoever. Because the SGA fell below . In other words Social Security is not going to ding u for working a min. time esp when the amount earned is nothing that can be lived on . Claudia look up SGA under Social Security , it will tell u just how much u can make for this yr.
Any other questions you have, consult your lawyer.

SpineAZ · 08-09-2009, 10:03 PM

This site is one that we are allowed to post, so just in case you don't have it:

www.ssa.gov