How Much Can I Earn and Still Collect SSDI?
If you work while you are collecting disability benefits, special rules apply:
Trial work period – you can work up to 9 months in any five year period and continue to collect disability benefits. There is no cap on your earnings during the 9 month trial work period. If you earn more than $670 in a month in 2008, that month counts as a trial work period month. In 2007, the trial work period trigger was $640, and in 2006, the trial work period trigger was $620.
Extended Period of Eligibility. After you have used up your nine months of trial work , Social Security looks at your earnings on a month by month basis for a 36 month "extended period of eligibility." During the extended period of eligibility, you receive your regular SSDI check if your earnings are not "substantial." If your earnings are "substantial" you are not eligible for a check in that month. How much is "substantial?"
2009- $980 per month
2008- $940 per month
2007 – $900 per month
2006 – $860 per month
If you earn more than the above limits for a particular month, you will be asked to repay Social Security for any disability benefits received during that month. SSA will literally review your earnings month by month – if you exceed the limit for a particular month, you will have to pay it back.
In addition, if your earnings record shows a pattern of work, SSA will likely review your case to determine whether benefits should be stopped. This is called a "continuing disability review" and is an eligibility issue rather than a money issue, although the two often go hand in hand.
Note that special rules apply for blind disability claimants – a blind person can earn more money before his earnings are deemed "substantial."



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i am married does my husband income amount affect me from being eligable for ssi
whats is quality review? how long does it take and can they overturn an approval? if so how often?
My husband has maniers disease and can no longer hear. He is a salesman and his employer will be asking him to step down in his position since he can not hear customers even with his hearing aids. He is 56. How long should it take to get on disability and where do we turn to for health ins? Do they usually turn down these cases for the first couple of years?
Thanks
I just started drawing my SSD last summer. However, it's very hard to make it on this. I am in KY.
I draw for my mental disability. I have bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
I know you can work so many hours, but I have a very hard time finding a job. Going through about 6 years of my life and not being properly medicated now have things on my record. So every thing I apply for a job, it's found. And I cannot get it expunged yet.
I thought about going back to school, but I've here if you go back to school, they will say you obviously don't need SSD. I feel like I'm in a bad position right now. Please give me some advise.
m, ky
Are you saying that if receiving ssdi in 2009, that you can work every month and earn up to $979/mo without any consequences? No trial period starting or anything?
I am 55 yrs.old and was approved for disability and qualify for disability
rehabilitation vocational services my question is wise too work par-time for work making $8.00 per @28 or 32 hours a week.
I am 55 yrs.old and was approved for disability and qualify for disability
rehabilitation vocational services my question is wise too work par-ttime for work making $8.00 per @28 or 32 hours a week.
My question is when I turned 65 I went fro SSID to widows Benefits, and Medicare! I was wondering if I can work , either parttime, or full how much do I have to pay SSAdm. for working.I'. 68 now . when I was 65 I wanted to work but it wasn't clear what I could do! I was on Medicade when I got Widows Benefit they took away my Medicade and paid for my Medicare which doesn't pay much so I have to also! I'd appreciate some answers thanks
I am about to do a special project/contract work with the Bureau of Census. The project is for 8 wks, and it pays $22.50/hr as well as .50 cents per mile with regards to public transportation.
I've been getting SSDI for about 3 years now, but am totally unsure if this job could put my benefits at risk. If anyone knows, please feel free to educate me!
I was just awarded permanent disability in Jan. 2010 at $1140 per month. I have been self employed but not making more than a few hundred a month this past year. however, looks like I can start to make quite a bit more now. Since it is self employment, what are my restrictions,when do I need to inform S.S. and do they take my gross or after I do a profit and loss? Very worried about losing it since it took two and a half years to get it.
@Ann:
Ann,
Has anyone replied to your question? I have been looking for the same answer….
Thanks
Chris
I was in jail for 10 months in Florida. I was being payed while incarcarated by Social Security. They issued me a letter of overpayment of over $8,000.00. I moved to Illinois and went down to my local Social Security office and payed the overpayment. They said I would then again receive my benefits after 2 months since paying the overpayment. I have yet received a payment, I am wondering can they refuse me payment because of a bench warrant I have out still in Illinois, even tho not convicted? I was told a judge in San Francisco ruled that this was illegal and order millions of dollars repaid to recipients. Can you please advise me, thanks!
From what I have found out by calling the 800 number for SSA, I can make $980 a month GROSS pay. And I can work 24.5 hours a week @ $9.00/hr. Before SSDI turns around asks for any money back from me because I made too much that month. But if you have any questions, you can always call the Medicare number to ask about your benefits and pay, etc.
I understand that I am able to work while applying for disability albeit may harm chances of approval. My questions is does it change the 'back pay' to the most recent job. I haven't been able to work in over two years, will it cut into my back pay if I get a part time job while waiting for approval?