I previously wrote a post about Social Security’s trial work period program but that was back in 2007 so its time for an update.
One of my YouTube viewers wrote me the following which I decided to answer here.
I was recently contacted by SSDI to verify income they have had reported to them since my onset of 2017. I am currently approved as of 2019 and receive benefits for myself and 2 minor children (auxiliary beneficiaries). All of the income for the first 18 months was from an LTD carrier so I think I can easily explain that.
Here’s my question if you have any time to add a thought. I was able to start very part-time and flexible work Dec 2019-March 2020 and then March 2021-June 2022. The amount per month never exceeded $1500/month. Which I know is over the current SSDI limit. I never enrolled in Ticket to Work and now don’t know how to explain it was very flexible, varied week to week based on appointments and that I had to pay for help to get things done to even work.
Obviously I can write all that back, but wondered your thoughts on how that process normally goes. I couldn’t find anything online about responding. Their letter seemed to give a total per calendar year and didn’t break it down monthly.
Secondarily, the amount of $1470/month is low for some jobs. That is really only 12 hours/week for me given my previous jobs. While that could be full time pay for some. The limit is not always a good indicator of how many hours an advanced desk job could be for very few hours.
I don’t want to do anything wrong and be in a situation where I’m paying back incorrect benefits, but I really only worked very part-time while still struggling with my autoimmune disease.
I love your videos and would love any thoughts/help. Thank you for always putting out such great information.
Here are my thoughts:
When you are approved for Social Security disability benefits, you become eligible for and are encouraged to attempt to go back to work. SSA has a “work incentive” program called the “Trial Work Period” or TWP. Continue reading →