People are often under the impression that Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or SSDI, are only available if you absolutely cannot work at all. In fact, you may be able to work some and still qualify for SSDI benefits. Maybe you are thinking of applying for Social Security disability benefits, or have already filed, but you work part-time? Or maybe your condition is getting better, and you would like to try going back to work? You may be wondering if this will affect your ability to collect your benefits. The answer is yes and no, depending on what program you may qualify for. An experienced Michigan SSDI attorney can be of great help in evaluating your legal options.
When initially applying for SSDI, there are many factors that may determine your ability to work such as medical documentation, age, and health status. Yet, it is possible to still receive benefits even if you can perform certain types of work – sedentary, part-time, or other types of limited working environments. Still, you may have to have a medical-vocational assessment, which includes the residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to see what level of work you might be capable of handling as well as things such as education level, skill level, previous work experience, and transferability of skills. Only being able to work part-time as opposed to full-time does not necessarily qualify you as disabled. On the contrary, if any of these assessments show that you are capable of working full-time, you may not be qualified for SSDI benefits.
Generally, the reason you have filed for disability is because you are unable to perform work and provide financially for yourself. This is why you need these benefits. There may, however, be times down the road when you have acquired new skills and are able to perform a new type of work, or you have found part-time work that you are able to do. Your SSDI benefits will not necessarily stop in this situation. There are a few programs in place that allow one to work and still receive SSDI benefits. Each has specific criteria that must be met and followed in order to be a part of the program, or you may lose your benefits permanently. Mainly, you must advise the SSA when you start or stop work; if your duties, hours, or pay scale changes; and if you have any disability related expenses. The following programs are available under the Social Security Disability Insurance program:
- The Ticket to Work Program
- The Trial Work Period
- Expedited Reinstatement
If you are currently receiving SSDI benefits and become able to work part-time, one of these programs may allow you to continue to receive your SSDI benefits while you transition back to work and/or allow you to earn a small income while continuing to receive your SSDI benefits.
If you need additional information, or have specific questions or concerns, contact the experienced Michigan Social Security benefits attorneys at Slusky and Walt, the American Benefit Experts, by calling 1-800-ABE-HELPS (1-800-223-4357) today to schedule your free consultation.
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