Social Security Disability Income Limits

The inability to work can have a devastating impact on your life. Not only will you have difficulty dealing with the physical effects of your disability, but you might also find it challenging to support yourself and your family during this time in your life. Thankfully, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

There is more to qualifying for SSDI than simply having a disability. You’ll need to establish that you are physically incapable of working in your current field, or any other position, first and foremost. Injuries or disabilities that render you only slightly or minimally disabled do not meet the requirements for SSDI.

Then, you’ll need to have been gainfully employed in the workforce for a number of years and contributed your portion of SSDI taxes out of each paycheck. That’s why social security benefits are considered insurance—you’ve already been depositing into this fund since you began working.

Finally, you’ll need to have little to no income in order to qualify. If you’re able to work, then you won’t be entitled to SSDI benefits. But, you might be wondering if you can work part time, or if you can earn any income at all. Below, we discuss what the income limitations are for SSDI, and what you can do if or when your initial application for benefits has been denied.

Income Limitations for SSDI

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) refers to the maximum amount that a person is able to earn while collecting SSDI. In 2018, this maximum is set at $1,180 per month, or $1,970 if you are blind. There are exceptions to this rule that can allow you to make more than the SGA limit.

For example, as an SSDI recipient, you’ll have a nine-month trial where you can receive your full SSDI benefits whether you make more than the SGA limit or not. Any recipient earning more than $850 per month will have that month as part of the nine-month trial.

Once your trial is up, your benefits could be eliminated if your income far exceed the incomes limits, but you’ll have five years after this cutoff to file for a reinstatement of your benefits should you be unable to work.

The Appeals Process for a Denial

It’s important that you are aware of how often SSDI claims are denied. Up to 70 percent of applicants receive denial notices. That doesn’t mean that’s the end of the road, though. You can file an appeal, known as a request for reconsideration, which will allow the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to review your case again.

If your reconsideration request is denied, you’ll need to have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Your attorney will be by your side every step of the way, and he or she will do whatever it takes to get your claim approved.

Get Help From a Qualified Social Security Disability Lawyer

When you aren’t sure whether you qualify for SSDI, or if you have questions about your case, get in touch with a highly trained Social Security Disability lawyer at Joel H. Schwartz, PC. Our firm will work diligently to demonstrate your need for SSDI benefits.

You can schedule an initial consultation today by calling our office at 1-800-660-2270, or by completing the quick contact form below.