You might be out of work because of a disability and you’re bored or looking for ways to supplement your income.
Can you work part-time on disability?
The answer to that question will vary depending on your situation. Many people today are starting to turn to blogging to make extra money.
In 2018, over 8.5 million people were collecting SSDI insurance. Read on to find out if and how you can work part-time while collecting a disability check.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI stands for social security disability insurance. It’s a program administered by the Social Security Administration that’s for people under 65 who can’t work due to a qualifying disability. You’d also have to pay into the social security system for at least 10 years in order to qualify.
It’s frequently mentioned with SSI, but there are few concrete differences. SSI is primarily for the elderly, blind and disabled people. SSI helps them meet the most basic needs of food and shelter.
How Do You Qualify for SSDI?
It’s a long road to qualify for SSDI. You have to be able to prove that you’ve paid into the system for 10 years. After that, you have to pass a Means Test and Severity Test.
You then have to provide medical records that support your claim. You do all of those steps right, the SSA will then see if there’s other work you can do before they approve you.
There is a lengthy process to collect social security benefits, and the process can take months or even years in some cases.
Can You Work Part Time on Disability?
Once you passed your SSDI requirements and are collecting benefits, you’ll want to know if you can work part-time on disability.
You can, with a lot of conditions attached. The first is that you can’t earn more than $1,220. Otherwise, the Social Security Administration considers that Substantial Gainful Activity.
The SGA threshold is $2040 if you’re blind.
If you’re part of the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, you could get job training and work experience. Under this program, the SGA thresholds are waived.
Technically speaking, you could make money as a blogger and still collect SSDI provided your income stays under the SGA.
You do need to be careful about making money while you’re still waiting to be approved for SSDI. Even if your side gig pays less than the SGA, your caseworker could think that you’re able to earn a full-time income. As a result, they could deny your case.
Work Part Time on Disability
Working part-time as a blogger can be a great way to contribute to the betterment of others when you can no longer work.
The good news is that you can work part-time on disability, as long as your income remains at a certain level. Of course, you’ll want to report any income changes to the Social Security Administration to stay above board with them.
Are you ready to earn a little money online? Take a look at this article about using your artistic skills to make money online.
