Under Wisconsin law, those with a disability are entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For many, having a disability prevents them from entering the workplace and performing the responsibilities of a job, without pain, discomfort or required mental capacity. But, what if you are looking to continue to work while receiving SSDI in Milwaukee? For many, this is an attractive option that can help them get reacquainted with corporate America and be a part of the workforce again.
Understanding and Receiving SSDI In Milwaukee
SSDI is the government’s disability payment program for employees. Eligible workers with a mental or physical condition that prevents them from working are able to collect benefits under the program if they meet the eligibility requirements. These conditions must be continuous for at least 12 months and prevent the individual from working or performing at a level that would be acceptable to an employer. As series of qualifiers must be met to allow for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to occur and a social security disability attorney may be able to assist you in your eligibility.
Social Security Disability Insurance is also made available to widows and widowers and any children of the disabled employee as determined by the Social Security Administration. SSDI allows for disabled workers to be paid benefits based on their past earnings as well as their age at the time of filing. Amounts can vary for each individual and payments are made after a disabled individual is unable to work for at least five months during what the Social Security Administration calls a waiting period.
While many persons with a disability continue to receive SSDI in Milwaukee for a significant duration of time based on the severity of their disability, others look to rejoin the workforce after some time. For some, this can be as a part-time worker while others look to test their abilities to continue their full-time employment long-term.
Can You Get A Job And Still Receive Social Security Disability Insurance in Milwaukee?
If you are thinking of working while you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, but are afraid that you will lose your benefits entirely, there are options you can consider. The Social Security Administration allows you to continue working while receiving SSDI under what it calls substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Under SGA, if you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance you can enter what is considered a test period for employment. You will not lose your SSDI benefits during this timeframe and can use this opportunity to see if you are able to work with the limitations of your disability while working for an employer.
SGA allows you to earn less than $1170 per month as designated for 2017, without losing your social security disability benefits. This test period allows you to “test your ability” while working and still receive your full benefits for up to nine months. SGA also takes into account the number of hours worked in a month and will consider 80 hours or more worked a trial month.
Are You Eligible For Social Security Disability Insurance During Your Trial Work Period In Milwaukee?
If you complete your nine-month trial period of SGA, you are still eligible to receive SSDI anytime your earnings for the month would fall below the SGA required level. Eligibility for this timeframe is up to 36 months, providing an extended time period for benefit earning Social Security Disability Insurance benefits while working. This means you would receive Social Security Disability Insurance if your monthly earnings drop below $1170 during a course of 36 months of employment.
If you continue to earn over the minimum set by the Social Security Administration for monthly earnings, this doesn’t mean that you will be ineligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits forever. During the course of five years from which you have begun to work, you can have your SSDI in Milwaukee reinstated if you need to stop working as a result of your disability.
During this five-year timeframe, you will not need to file a new disability application with the Social Security Administration to qualify for SSDI as expedited reinstatement will apply under these circumstances.
Can You Work Part-Time And Still Receive Social Security Disability Benefits In Milwaukee?
Working part time is also an option while still receiving SSDI. To continue to receive these disability benefits, you would need to ensure your monthly income doesn’t exceed the limits set forth by the Social Security Administration of $1170 per month. This can allow you to still work part time and collect Social Security Disability Insurance without fear of losing these payments.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be receiving SSDI in the total of your full amount each month. Your Social Security Disability Insurance will be reduced based on how much you earn from your employer and the limitations set by the government.
The first $85 of your monthly work earnings will not count towards your total monthly earnings when being calculated by the Social Security Administration. Your earnings after this $85 amount are taken into account and deducted from your total earnings to calculate your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
Need Answers Concerning Your Social Security Disability Benefits In Milwaukee?
Whether you want to enter the workforce full or part time, it can be difficult to navigate the requirements of SSDI benefits. You may have questions or concerns, and a don’t want to put yourself at risk of losing these payments as a result of wanting to go back to work. You can count on an SSDI attorney to help you understand what your rights are when it comes to receiving and retaining SSDI benefits even when you have gone back to work.
A Social Security Disability Insurance attorney in Milwaukee can help you uncover what the requirements to remain eligible for SSDI benefits are and how you can go back to work without facing a penalty or losing your payments. Contact Tabak Law for your risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys.