Many disability claimants are not ready to give up on the idea of working. Social Security recognizes this and offers a number of programs designed to help disabled claimants transition back into the work force.
I recently received a letter from a such a claimant. He describes himself as a 53 year old male was was approved for SSDI as of June, 2006. The basis of his claim is major depression. He states that in June, 2007 he decided to try to return to work as a commissioned insurance agent. From June of 2007 through April, 2009, he has earned $10,000 in commissions, but these commissions have not yet been distributed to him. He states that the work effort has been very difficult and at this point he has decided to discontinue his active work as an insurance agent.
The issue facing him has to do with the $10,000. He is concerned that if Social Security sees a $10,000 distribution, it might trigger a termination. What should he do?
Here are my thoughts: Social Security regulations provide for a trial work period of up to 9 months in a rolling five year period of time. For 2009, a month counts as a trial work month if you earn $700 or more, for 2008, the figure is $670. Thus, in my reader’s case, Social Security would look at every month from June of 2007 to the present and any month showing more than $640 (2007), $670 (2008) or $700 (2009) would count as a trial work month.
Arguably, therefore, if he received one paycheck in the amount of $10,000 for April, 2009, that check would only count as one trial work period month.
However, my reader would be safe to assume that someone at Social Security might look at this large salary distribution and ask questions. I think that the risk here would be that Social Security might try to argue that the commissions were earned over a number of months. If Social Security concluded that there were more than 9 months involved, that could affect my reader’s on-going eligibility.
I would therefore evaluate – month by month – what activities my reader engaged in during his trial work period and what funds associated with that work. Whether or not a particular month qualifies as a trial work month would seem to be a matter of evidence.
There may also be case law or Social Security rulings that address this type of issue – that would be a matter of research for a lawyer in my reader’s jurisdiction.
Even if the 9 months was used up, there is something called an extended period of disability which would allow for an immediate reinstatement if earnings stopped and there was medical support.
I would also note that trial work periods and cessation of benefits issues are not matters that are handled by all disability claimant’s lawyers. In my practice, for example, I have only appeared at two cessation cases – not because those issues are not out there, but because cessation clients rarely have the funds to pay for hourly representation. There are no past due benefits payable in a cessation case so most cessation case clients do not have the funds to retain counsel.
Thanks!
Do I tell my employer I am on SSDI? How do I report my income to SSDI if I am self employed as a lease employee. No income tax witheld I will get a 1099. after expences I may not have much income for the year.
i’ve been on disability sinc 2006. i understood that we are allowed 9 trial work months. unfortunately last oct. i worked over by not paying closer attention. i was working in the laundry room at a local hotel in bentonville, arkansas. this is my 4th time in a 2 yr. period and no longer work anywhere. i’ve got a genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (seizure disorder) and am on meds. for seizure control. since then i’ve been diagnosed with parkinsons disease and diabeties. i appreciate any help you may assist or advise me with. thank you for your time- Doug Kahler
I’ve been receiving SSDI since (car accident-head injury-1996) I’ve been working at different jobs part-time, but does the 9 month work trial still apply to me, and does that mean I’d be allowed to make over the amount COLA states for 9 month’s, help me understand
My ex husband receives SSI for a heart condition. I have heard that he was working a few hours a week but I don’t know for how long. He has not notified SSI that he was working. How does the 9 month trial work? Does he need to tell them he’s doing this, and if he doesnt’ and they find out, will they investigate it or immidiately teminate him?
Someone he doesn’t know came by this business recently and has him “spooked”. He’s afraid they are from SSI and he will lose his SSI and his doctors say with only 7% of his heart functioning, there is no way they will clear him to return to work. My children recieve SSI on his behalf. IF he loses his SSI, do my children lose their benefits as well?
@Amanda: yes,your children would loose those benefits and any medical coverage as well such as medicare,ect.if they have this…