Can I go back to work if I’m a student receiving Social Security Disability payments?

The goal of the Social Security Administration (SSA) is to help people who are not fully able to help themselves. When a person receiving disability benefits wants to improve their independence, the SSA has programs in place to help them succeed, since it means they are working to be less reliant on governmental funds.

However, returning to school or work isn’t as easy as it sounds. Many young people with disabilities require medical equipment, such as a wheelchair, or an aide to help them perform daily tasks. They may only be able to attend classes for a shorter duration of time due to physical or mental limitations. All of these things make self-reliance possible, but they are also costly-and can be impossible to afford without the help of Social Security Income benefits.

A few things that young people living with disabilities in Floridashould know when considering employment:

• Student rules. If you are under 22 years old and are a regular student, the SSA will not count your income against you when calculating your benefit payments.
• Yearly limits. The amount that a disabled student may exclude from their earnings varies by year. In 2011, people under age 22 can subtract $1,640 per month (and a limit of $6,600 per year) when applying for Social Security Income benefits.
• Savings. Under the PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) program, any disabled minor under age 15 can retain a portion of their income for savings to pay for future education. Any saved income will not be counted when figuring the child’s benefit amount.
• Cost of support. If a child requires certain amenities for work or schooling due to his condition, such as a hearing aid or specialized electronic equipment, the amount paid for these items will not affect benefit payments.
• Additional resources. Children over age 15 may attend training and rehabilitation courses under the Social Security return to work program.

 It is worth noting that many of these rules only affect your child while he is still a minor. The rules may change when children receiving benefits turn 18.

What about my child’s health benefits?

The SSA does not consider monthly income when providing Medicaid coverage to children. A disabled minor will continue to be covered under Medicaid even if his monthly income disqualifies him for other Social Security benefits. However, if the child reaches age 18 and his income eventually increases, the SSA may discontinue Medicaid coverage.

If your disabled child is working to become self-reliant, his Social Security benefits should not be denied without cause! An experienced Palm Beach Social Security disability attorney can get your child’s benefits reinstated. Call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.