Whether you will lose your disability benefits if you work part-time depends on several factors, including the type of disability benefits you receive—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—and the amount of income you earn from part-time work.
Our Houston Social Security Disability lawyers can provide invaluable guidance to help you navigate the complexities of working part-time while receiving disability benefits. We can review your case to determine how your earnings might affect your benefits.
If your benefits are at risk of being reduced or terminated, we can advocate on your behalf to appeal unfavorable decisions and protect your financial security. By working with our firm, you can make informed decisions and minimize the risk of losing your benefits.
Will I Lose My Disability if I Work Part-Time?
Working part-time while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is possible, but you must understand the rules. SSDI allows you to work during a Trial Work Period (TWP), which lets you test your ability to work without losing your benefits.
Any month where you earn more than the TWP income threshold set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) counts as a trial work month. You are allowed up to nine trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
After the TWP, the SSA evaluates your income to see if you are earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. If your income exceeds the SGA level, your SSDI benefits may stop.
However, you could enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), where benefits can restart if your earnings drop below the SGA level again.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
The SSA also considers factors like Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), which allow you to deduct costs related to your disability from your income. This can help you stay under the SGA limit and keep your benefits.
Understanding these rules is critical to managing your SSDI benefits while working part-time.
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How does Working Part-Time Affect SSI Benefits?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your benefits are based on your financial need, so working part-time can directly affect the amount you receive. However, not all your earnings count toward your income limit.
The SSA has rules that reduce how much of your income they count. For example, it does not count the first $65 you earn each month. After that, it counts only half of what you earn.
For example, if you earn $500 a month, only $217.50 would count against your SSI benefits. Your SSI payments would decrease, but you could still receive partial benefits. If your countable income pushes you over the amount the SSA has set, your SSI benefits may stop.
Medicaid Coverage
If your SSI stops because of earnings, you may still qualify for coverage through the SSA’s Continued Medicaid Eligibility Section 1619(b) program.
The program allows you to keep health benefits if your income remains under a specific threshold. This program varies by state and can offer additional security for SSI recipients who want to work part-time.
What Should You Do if Your Benefits Are Reduced or Stopped?
If working part-time reduces or stops your benefits, you must act quickly. First, check if the SSA made an error. Mistakes can happen, especially if your earnings or expenses weren’t reported correctly. You have the right to appeal any decision about your benefits.
Appeals must typically be filed within 60 days of receiving the notice of a change to your benefits. You should also review your earnings and expenses to ensure they were calculated accurately. For instance, if you had IRWE, ensure they were properly deducted.
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We Can Help if You Are on Disability and Work Part-Time
If you believe your benefits were unfairly reduced, our Houston Disability lawyers can provide support in several ways:
- Reviewing your case: We can check whether the SSA properly calculated your income and excluded allowable amounts, like the first $65 and half of your remaining earnings.
- Gathering evidence: We can help you collect and organize important documents, such as pay stubs or receipts for Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), to show your income was reported correctly.
- Preparing and filing appeals: If your benefits were reduced or stopped unfairly, our Disability denial lawyers can assist with submitting an appeal and meet all deadlines and requirements.
- Representing you at hearings: Should your case require a hearing, we will advocate on your behalf, present evidence, and explain your rights.
- Explaining work incentives: A lawyer can guide you through programs like Ticket to Work or Medicaid 1619(b), helping you maintain benefits while earning part-time income.
By working with our firm’s disability lawyers, you can be assured that legal professionals who understand Disability matters handle your case properly, helping you protect your benefits and financial future.
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Tips for Managing Part-Time Work and Disability Benefits
Managing part-time work and disability benefits requires careful planning and recordkeeping. Here are some tips to help you:
- Keep detailed records: Track your income, the hours you worked, and any disability-related expenses like medical equipment or transportation costs.
- Report all income to the SSA: Always inform the SSA about any work activity to avoid overpayments or penalties.
- Understand your limits: Learn about income thresholds like the SGA for SSDI or the countable income rules for SSI. Staying below these limits can help you retain benefits.
- Use work incentives: Take advantage of programs like the Trial Work Period (SSDI) or Medicaid 1619(b) (SSI) to ease the transition into part-time work.
- Consult a professional: Periodically meet with a benefits specialist or Disability lawyer to ensure you are complying with SSA rules and maximizing your benefits.
By staying organized and proactive, you can balance your employment and disability benefits.
Are You on Disability but Want to Work Part-Time? Call Us
If you’re wondering if you will lose your disability benefits if you work part-time, Marc Whitehead & Associates can advise you on what to do in your situation.
With over three decades of assisting clients with disability claims since 1992, we understand the challenges of balancing work with maintaining your benefits.
Our dedicated Disability lawyers will guide you through the SSA’s complex rules and keep you from making costly mistakes while protecting your benefits. Whether you want to file an appeal, understand work incentive programs, or prepare for a hearing, we’ll support you.
Don’t risk your financial security—contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate this complex process with confidence and peace of mind.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
