HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN AND DRAW SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY?

Am I allowed to work part-time and still apply for Social Security disability benefits?  How much am I allowed to earn?

You may qualify for Social Security disability if you are working part time.  How much are you allowed to earn?  You must be earning below "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) level.

In 2016, substantial gainful activity in terms of earnings is $1,130 per month in gross earnings.  If you earn at least that much money from either self employment or wages, salaries and tips, you are not eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

If you have worked above SGA level for a period of time, then fell below SGA level, because you had to work fewer hours, Social Security will usually adjust any benefits to begin after you stopped working at SGA levels.

If you are already receiving SSDI benefits, the rule is the same for SGA work.  However, I advise my clients to be careful about working while receiving SSDI benefits because during a Continuing Disability Review, all work comes under scrutiny, even if it is slightly below SGA limits. 

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