Qualifying for social security disability can provide life-changing income for those that are unable to earn a livable wage due to their disability. But if it is deemed you are able to make money – even though it may not be the full amount you once were – you can still be denied SSD benefits.
For those who do receive benefits, the amounts can often not be enough to continue the lifestyle they once had.
To combat this issue, individuals will often still earn money that are drawing disability. As you can imagine, there are guidelines to the amount that can be earned in this circumstance as well. This amount is adjusted every year as well. So you may be asking, “how much can I earn on social security disability in 2019?”
How Much Can My Income Be to Be Awarded Social Security Disability Income in 2019?
First, let’s look at how much income the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider enough to support yourself without receiving benefits. Typically, if you are found to be able to perform a job that pays $1,220 per month or greater, the SSA will often reject your claim. If you are blind, that threshold is higher, as that amount will typically be at $2,040 per month.
Of course, none of this comes into play at all if your condition doesn’t qualify as a disability according to the SSA. The condition must be severe enough to interfere with your life and ability to work, which can cover both physical and mental limitations. And if you are denied, a lawyer can often help you appeal your claim, which many times ends up in individuals ultimately receiving benefits.
How Much Can I Earn While Drawing Social Security Disability in 2019?
While you cannot make over $1,220 per month to be approved for social security disability, the rules change if you are approved in terms of what you are allowed to make while drawing disability. It is expected that you are not working for a living if you are drawing benefits, but you are allowed to make money within a certain threshold. This is considered a trial work period.
For 2019, you can only early $880 per month during a trial work period while receiving social security disability benefits. If you earn less than $880, it should not trigger a trial work period and is likely acceptable.
Earning more than the $880 per month could cause your benefits to be discontinued. Since all income while drawing disability needs to be reported, earning too much will be flagged. And once your trial work period ends, it is expected that you will not continue working.
In addition, if you are working while on social security disability, your inability to work a job which has a regular wage could come into question, sparking a re-evaluation of benefits.
If you are currently on social security disability benefits and considering working to earn supplemental income, it would be a good idea to ask an attorney if it is a good idea.
If you have any questions on this topic, or need help applying or appealing a decision concerning social security disability, don’t hesitate to call Tabak Law at 844-432-0114.