You are allowed to do limited work for pay and receive Social Security Disability benefits. But you will not be considered disabled if you earn more than a defined maximum income. (For 2014, this was $1,070 a month or $1,800 if you are blind.)
When the Social Security Administration considers whether you are disabled, it will look at your ability to hold a job. It will first determine whether you can perform the essential functions of your current job. If you can perform the job’s essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation, you might not be considered disabled.
If you cannot return to your previous job because of your disability, the evaluation team will then determine whether you can perform any kind of substantial gainful activity. They’ll look at your medical condition, age, education, past work experience and any skills you may have that could be used to do other work. If you cannot do other work, you should then be determined to be disabled.
If you are receiving SSD benefits and want to return to work, you need to notify the Social Security Administration. Having a job may affect your benefits. Social Security also has special work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work for a period without a reduction in benefits.There are also programs to help with the education, rehabilitation and training you may need to return to work.
If you are working or wish to return to work and are concerned about how this may affect your SSD benefits or eligibility for benefits, contact a Ginarte law firm disability benefits lawyer today for an assessment of your case.
See our deeper discussion of this topic at Can I still work and receive SSD benefits?
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