Will I lose my Social Security disability benefits if I go back to work?

Most people in Florida receiving Social Security disability benefits long for the day they can return to work.

However, returning to work does not mean that a person’s injury has been resolved. Often those reentering the workforce cannot do a full day’s work, or cannot complete the same range of tasks that they were able to do before they were injured. And on top of these frustrations, many people on disability are terrified that returning to work means losing their benefits.

Here are a few answers to common questions about working while receiving Social Security disability benefits:

• What if I try to work, but have to quit my job because of my injury? The Social Security Administration has set up a trial period for those returning to work. For the first nine months, you will continue to receive full disability benefits in addition to any work income. This time will help you decide if your injury will allow you to work for a full living wage.
• What if I can only work part-time? Will I lose my benefits? You can still receive benefits for three years while you continue to work, as long as your salary is not considered “substantial.” The Social Security’s definition of substantial earnings varies, but it is generally more than $1,000 per month.
• Will my benefits eventually be canceled if I continue working? After the trial period is over and you earn a substantial living, your Social Security disability benefits may be suspended. However, if you receive Social Security health benefits, they will continue while you are working, even after your disability payments have stopped.
• If my condition causes me to leave work again, do I have to reapply for benefits? Your benefits information is good for five years. If your condition worsens to the point where you need disability again within that timeframe, you do not have to reapply for benefits or wait six months for them to start if you leave work.
• Who pays for work items related to my disability? If your disability incurs costs that non-disabled workers do not have, you may deduct the cost of those items from your net pay. In this way, the SSA ensures that the living wage you are earning is covering your daily living costs rather than increased medical expenses.
• Who can I turn to for help if my disability payments are unjustly stopped? The Social Security program is designed to help those who need help most. If your payments were canceled, suspended or denied, there is help available. Call the experienced Palm Beach Social Security disability attorneys at Fetterman & Associates to get the full benefits you and your family deserve. Call us today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.