Americans who are unable to work full-time due to a disability are eligible for substantial Social Security disability benefits.
However, the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability payments are stringent, as they are intended to serve as a safety net only for those who are truly disabled to the point where they cannot earn a substantial income.
Social Security Disability Benefits
The trial work period allows you to work for nine out of sixty months while disabled. During this period, you will receive Social Security disability benefits regardless of your income.
Following the trial work period, the income restrictions take effect. You then have 36 months to work and earn benefits if your income is not considered substantial. This limit is $1,470 per month for 2023, or $2,460 if you are blind.
If, following the trial work period, the Social Security Administration determines that your income is substantial, your disability benefits will be terminated. Due to the presumption that if you are working and earning money, you are no longer considered disabled, this is the case.
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What Happens When You’re Fully Retired?
Note that it is technically possible to earn more than these maximums and still qualify for disability benefits. This is because the SSA deducts any work-related expenses from your income before determining if you exceed the threshold.
For instance, if you require specific prescriptions to be able to work, your copayments will likely be deducted from your earnings. Costs for a wheelchair, a personal assistant, and any specialized equipment you may need to perform your job duties effectively will also be covered.
If your medical condition worsens and you are no longer able to earn above the “substantial earnings” threshold, you have five years to ask the Social Security Administration to reinstate your benefits.
During this period, you will not be required to submit a new application; simply submit a request to the SSA. This is known as expedited reinstatement.
Although they are terminated if you engage in substantially gainful employment, reach full retirement age, or are notified of the SSA’s decision on your expedited request, they are not terminated if you reach full retirement age.
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