Disability and work (health issues, insurance, ears, cause)

[Global Friend]

Due to long term health issues, I had to unfortunately go on disability. Took two years and now $40,000 in debt because of the health issues. I would like to say one day my health would get better enough to work full time but it's not looking good. I don't have bad and good days, I have good and bad moments or hours. That being said, disability is not enough to pay the bills or the debt. I would like to try to work a few hours here and there and I do have opportunities available to me that are flexible and can work around when I feel ok enough. I just don't want to screw up my disability because if I lose that I'm in serious trouble. I've read you can work x amount of hours or make x amount of money per month? I don't understand it and has anyone done this w/o losing their benefit? Do they reduce your SSD if you work a few hours a month? Thx

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by Rapture

Due to long term health issues, I had to unfortunately go on disability. Took two years and now $40,000 in debt because of the health issues. I would like to say one day my health would get better enough to work full time but it's not looking good. I don't have bad and good days, I have good and bad moments or hours. That being said, disability is not enough to pay the bills or the debt. I would like to try to work a few hours here and there and I do have opportunities available to me that are flexible and can work around when I feel ok enough. I just don't want to screw up my disability because if I lose that I'm in serious trouble. I've read you can work x amount of hours or make x amount of money per month? I don't understand it and has anyone done this w/o losing their benefit? Do they reduce your SSD if you work a few hours a month? Thx

See here:

Working While Disabled--How We Can Help

[Global Friend]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

See here:

Working While Disabled--How We Can Help

Thank you but SSI is the same as SSD? And calculated the same? I know maybe a dumb question but I know nothing about this stuff and honestly don't get most of it.

[sephiro499]

Originally Posted by Rapture

Thank you but SSI is the same as SSD? And calculated the same? I know maybe a dumb question but I know nothing about this stuff and honestly don't get most of it.

SSI is a welfare program that is means-tested and can change based on where you live and your living situation (at home, roommates, etc). SSDI is disability insurance, so it works the same as any insurance policy it is just funded and administered by the federal government. You qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits. The disability standards are the same for each and are done by the DDS (disability determination services).

SSA uses the blue book:

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security


I would also recommend the NoLo press disability book:

Amazon.com: Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits (9780873379144): David A. Morton: Books


Also this yahoo group is an invaluable resource:

Disinissues : DISINISSUES Disability Insurance Issues

I know if you are on ssdi you can earn under a certain amount and still receive your normal benefits. You are suppose to tell ssa when you start working for any reason, this can potentially trigger a review. The consensus from various online resources and legal professionals is if you earn underneath the monthly limit, just keep it to yourself.

[Positiveone]

Rapture- did yoi find any info? If not call the 800# for Social security. But I was under the impression that one cannot collect SSDI and still work, isnt that why one is on SSDI? Because they cannot work?

If your on SSDI you will be reviewed here & there by social sec.