Can I Collect Disability While Working? (social security, 2009, state, separate)

[Texas User]

Is this possible?

[NY Annie]

The idea of disability income is that you are DISABLED - if you can work, you're not disabled.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by NY Annie

The idea of disability income is that you are DISABLED - if you can work, you're not disabled.

This statement is not correct. Definition for disability considers if you cannot do any work that is substantial in the national economy. That does not mean no work. In addition, after you are approved for disability, you can still work as long as you do not make more than a certain statutory level of income, which is considered substantial.

"...your benefits will stop for months your earnings are at a level we consider "substantial," currently $980 in 2009. For 2008, this amount was $940. Different amounts apply to people who are disabled because of blindness. The monthly substantial amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2009 is $1,640; for 2008 this amount was $1,570..."


There is also a trial work period to determine if you can test if you can work.

"...We have special rules called "work incentives" that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. For example, there is a trial work period during which you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment..."

Livecontent

[texdav]

But still generally disability is not meant for those who continue working, It is for those who become disabled to the pount that substanial or meaningful work is not possbile. A person can ahve a disablioty and never stop working or get disabilty.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by texdav

But still generally disability is not meant for those who continue working, It is for those who become disabled to the pount that substanial or meaningful work is not possbile. A person can ahve a disablioty and never stop working or get disabilty.

depends on the kind of disability you are talking about and the percentage

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by Boompa

depends on the kind of disability you are talking about and the percentage

Social Security does not use percentages. You are either disabled or not disabled.

The VA defines disabilities as percentages and it is used for monetary compensation levels and priority of treatment. VA disabilities are not dependent or evaluated on the ability to work or not work.

A VA disability does not automatically entitle one to a Social Security Disabilty. They are separate programs. Even if you are 100% disabled under the VA, you are not guaranteed a social security disability--you have to apply and be approved separately.

Livecontent

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by texdav

But still generally disability is not meant for those who continue working, It is for those who become disabled to the pount that substanial or meaningful work is not possbile. A person can ahve a disablioty and never stop working or get disabilty.

Yes, many people work with disabilities and never applied for disability. Social Security has many programs and "work incentives" to encourage people to go back to work and still have disabilities.

In addition, one of the biggest protections under the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) is to allow opportunities for the disabled who want to work.

Livecontent

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by NY Annie

The idea of disability income is that you are DISABLED - if you can work, you're not disabled.

What if I am disabled but can do my job still?

[Texas User]

What about a Neurological disorder while on medication?
This person can still work.