If you are suffering from a disability, you may be trying your best to work and pay your bills. However, due to your disability, you may find that working and meeting your responsibilities is more difficult than you might have hoped. You may assume that you are not able to qualify for SSDI benefits if you are working, but you should speak with a social security attorney if you are not certain.
How to Know if You're Qualified
To be qualified for SSDI, you cannot be gainfully employed. This is a condition that is based on how much you are earning while you are disabled. For example, you may work a part-time job or have worked a gig, but if you are earning below a certain amount, you may still be entitled to SSDI benefits.
The monthly earnings you are allowed to receive to be considered gainfully employed depends in part on the type of disability you are suffering from. For example, if you are blind, you will be allowed a higher statutory amount of $2,190 as of 2021 before you will be considered gainfully employed. If you are not blind, you will have to earn less than $1,310 to not be considered gainfully employed.
The SSA does not consider you disabled if you earn above the designated amount because you are able to engage in competitive employment.
Other Sources of Income
Fortunately, you may be able to receive other sources of income and not have to worry about this impacting the benefits you receive. For example, you may receive interest, gifts, and a return on investment.
If You Think You Can Work
You may be concerned about whether you can return to work. Fortunately, the SSA will allow you to return to work for a trial period. However, you will want to speak with an SSDI attorney about whether this decision will affect your benefits.
Even if you earn a low income, you may still be considered to not be disabled depending on the nature of your work. For example, if your work is seasonal and you are not able to earn substantial gainful employment from your job for a period of time, you may not be considered disabled. If you are not sure how your ability to work will affect your SSDI benefits, make sure to consult with an experienced SSDI attorney. They can help you navigate the SSA's regulations.
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