This is a question you might have regarding financial supplements that the government provides to those who have suffered injuries or illness that impede their ability to function in the workplace. The answer to the question is that you may be able to work while collecting benefits. However, strict rules apply to anyone in Ohio or elsewhere who is earning income while collecting a disability check each month.
The key phrase you’ll want to understand is “substantial gainful activity.” It is this phrase that draws the line between continuing to collect benefits while working and having your benefits cut off. If you are preparing to file a disability claim or currently collecting benefits and are considering going to back to work, you will want to seek clarification on the laws that govern such matters.
What constitutes substantial gainful activity for disability benefit recipients?
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the government will stop payments if you achieve substantial gainful activity within a certain amount of time. Substantial gainful activity basically refers to earned income at or above a specific level. As of 2023, the cut-off income amount is $1,470 per month.
For certain disabilities, the cut-off amount may vary. For instance, if blindness is listed as your disability, then your substantial gainful activity limit to work and collect benefits at the same time is $2,460. Under certain programs, you can exceed substantial gainful activity limits.
Testing your ability to work
If a disability has prevented you from being able to work, you might need time to slowly transition back into the workplace. During this transition, you might still rely on SSDI benefitsto help make ends meet at home. You may be able to continue to collect benefits while you take part in a trial program for work.
The trial work program is helpful because you can participate in monthly trials over a period of five years. Regardless how high your income happens to be during this time, you are entitled to continue collecting full SSDI benefits.
Annual changes may occur regarding income limits
The substantial gainful activity income limit is not a standardized number. It changes by the year, depending on changes that may occur regarding national minimum wage requirements and other issues.
You might have questions about income limits in connection with taxes or wonder whether you can work an unlimited number of hours while continuing to collect SSDI benefits. To find answers to your questions or to seek support to help resolve a problem that has arisen, it’s helpful to discuss the issue with someone in Ohio who understands SSDI laws.