Chicago Social Security Disability Attorneys
Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers
Part-time employment does not automatically disqualify a person from receiving social security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers each case individually and will consider the number of hours worked and the pay earned in order to determine whether a person has a qualifying disability.
The SSA will also consider whether your medical condition has affected your ability to do the following:
- Physically exert yourself for work-related activities (such as sitting, standing, walking and lifting)
- Perform manipulative and postural activities (such as using your fingers, balancing and kneeling)
- Tolerate various environmental conditions (such as hot or cold temperatures, humidity and noise)
- See, hear or speak
- Concentrate at work
- Understand and carry out instructions
- Respond appropriately to supervisors and co-workers
- Cope with changes in work setting
How Part-Time Employment Affects Supplemental Security Income
The extent to which any part-time work affects your social security benefits depends on the type of social security benefit you are receiving. Because Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based disability benefits program, any income earned from part-time employment will proportionately reduce the amount of your disability benefits. It is possible that you could earn enough money working part-time that your disability benefits would be eliminated all together.
How Part-Time Employment Affects Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are receiving Social Security Disability (SSD or SSDI) benefits, income earned from part-time employment will not affect your disability benefits unless the income is above the “substantial gainful activity” amount, as determined by the SSA. For 2011, the “substantial gainful activity” amount is $1,000. In other words, if you earn less than $1,000 per month, you will still be eligible for SSDI benefits. On the other hand if you earn more than $1,000 per month, you will be ineligible for any SSDI benefits.
Get the Legal Advice You Need
If you are currently receiving either SSDI benefits or SSI benefits, you should consult with an experienced Illinois social security attorney, like those at Ankin Law, before you begin any part-time employment. Part-time employment can have a significant effect on your social security benefits and there are certain reporting obligations if you are currently receiving social security disability benefits and begin part-time employment. The skilled Illinois social security attorneys are familiar with the many issues affecting social security disability benefits and part-time employment and we can help guide you through each of these issues.
