Social Security Benefits: Working While on Disability
Social security regulations are labyrinthine, and working out which social security benefits you are allowed to receive can be challenging. To smooth the process, here are answers to some of disability applicants’ most common questions.
You will not be able to get partial disability benefits through SSA. Disability social security benefits are available only to people who are completely disabled and have been so (or are expected to be so) for at least a year. If you wish to file for partial disability, you will need to do so through a state or local program. You will still be able to receive state and local disability benefits if SSA denies your application because you are not completely disabled.
However, if you are disabled but able to work for short periods or at a low level, you may be able to continue working while receiving social security benefits. You total income will be taken into account by the state agency that handles your social security case. If you can still work but your maximum possible income falls below a certain amount, you can still collect disability benefits. Note that the agency will consider how much you CAN earn, not how much you DO earn: If you could earn above the minimum by changing to a different job that you are trained to do and physically capable of doing, then you will be considered ineligible for social security benefits. You will not be pressured to do work you are not able to perform. The state agency will consider your experience, education, medical condition, and even age when evaluating your ability to change jobs. If you need help moving to a better job that would enable you to support yourself, assistance is available.
Many applicants are confused and annoyed by their social security agents’ request to continue seeing doctors even after they have doctors’ statements that there is no available medical treatment for the applicant’s condition. If this is what you are dealing with right now, there is an explanation! First, your regular doctors may not be able to provide all of the information the state agency needs to evaluate your case. The agency will arrange for you to see a doctor who has the specialized experience or equipment necessary to complete the examination. The visit is not for treatment; it is simply part of your case evaluation.
Second, disability is not always permanent, and even untreatable conditions can improve. It is a good idea to have regular examinations to track the progress of your condition. Even without treatment, your condition may improve enough to allow you to return to work.
And third, medical science comes up with treatments for “untreatable” conditions every year. Why miss out on a cure because you stopped going to the doctor out of resignation? Occasional doctors’ visits are a minor nuisance compared to the vast improvements you could someday see.
Q: Are SSDI and SSI the same thing?
A: SSDI and SSI are disability benefits, but they are quite different in their requirements. To be eligible for SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, an applicant must have been in the workforce long enough to have accrued enough work credits for benefits. Individuals who fall below certain income and resource limits can qualify for SSI or Supplemental Security Income benefits. An applicant for SSI need not have been in the workforce for a certain amount of time to be eligible for benefits.
Q: What is the average wait for an initial claim to be processed?
A: For applications that are complete and filed appropriately, the usual turnaround time for the initial review process is 3 or 4 months.