Blog Post

Can I Work & Still Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
August 26, 2008
Topic: Social Security Disability

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from our social security clients is: can you work and still receive Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits? Like all answers to questions about the Social Security Administration (SSA), the answer is a bit complicated. In 2008, you can work and draw Social Security Disability benefits as long as you work less than 40 hours per week and makes less than $940 gross a month in wages. If you work 40 hours per week and/or make more than $940 gross per month in wages you are considered by SSA as engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and are not considered disabled. Continuously engaging in SGA while drawing Social Security Disability benefits will almost certainly result in the termination of your benefits. The monthly SGA amount increases every year. If you are self-employed, the monthly SGA amount is the same except that it is your net earnings after expenses. The monthly SGA amount for Blind individuals is always higher, $1570 for 2008.

If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, any wages above $85.00 per month can affect your benefits. Anytime you are working and receiving any type of Disability benefits from SSA, you should discuss how that work could affect your benefits with someone at your local Colorado Social Security office. You can also learn more about working while disabled at http://www.ssa.gov/d&s2.htm.