If I Can Work at a Part-Time Job But Not Full Time, Can I Get Disability Benefits?
Some people assume that to be disabled for Social Security purposes, you must be bedridden or unable to perform any work at all. This is not correct. There are many types of disabilities that qualify for Social Security benefits and some people may be able to work part-time yet still qualify for Social Security benefits. The rules governing Social Security disability are complex; therefore, it is always best to consult with an experienced Social Security attorney prior to beginning the applications process, especially if you are working part-time.
The attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC have helped countless clients apply for disability benefits. We also appeal disability denials to assist clients in getting the benefits they are entitled to receive. If you have questions about disability benefits, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced Social Security attorneys.
Working Part-time and Applying for Social Security
Disability Benefits
When you apply for disability benefits, one element that they will examine is your monthly income. If you earn more than the maximum income amount for longer than the period specified by the Social Security standards, you will be ineligible to receive disability benefits.
Earnings from a part-time job are included when calculating your SGA or “substantial gainful activity.” While money you earn from a part-time job must be included in the SGA figure, money earned from rent, interest, child support, investment earnings, and food assistance programs are not included in the SGA total.
The maximum SGA amount is adjusted annually by Social Security. The current threshold for 2015 is $1,090 and $1,820 if the person is blind. Therefore, if you earn $1,090 or more per month from a part-time job (or any job), you probably will not be eligible for Social Security benefits; however, the length of time you are able to work at a part-time job is another standard that must be considered. For example, you may be able to work at a part-time job to earn $1,100 per month but after 8 weeks, your disability causes you to be unable to perform your duties at your part-time job.
In some cases, having a documented history of trying to work, even at a part-time job, but being unable to hold a job for long due to the disability may help demonstrate you are unable to earn enough money to support yourself.
Do You Have a Question about Social Security and
a Part-time Job?
The bottom line is that working a part-time job may or may not affect your ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. It is in your best interest to contact our office to discuss your specific situation before making any major decisions regarding a part-time job.
Contact an Experienced Radcliff and Elizabethtown Social SecurityDisability Attorney
We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!
The Social Security lawyers of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC have over 50 years of combined legal experience assisting clients with the Social Security disability application process. We also assist clients by appealing the denial of Social Security benefits. We represent clients throughout central Kentucky.
Contact us at our Radcliff and Elizabethtown Office in Hardin County at (270) 351-6032 or toll-free at 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a consultation with one of our Social Security attorneys. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.