Ask Larry

Will My Disability Benefits Stop Due To My Work?

I went on disability at age 56 at 58 started working a little, now at age 62 social security sent me a letter about my earnings, from age 58 till now only working a little in the mornings where I sit,stand or walk watching a door, doc says good for my back pain/surgery, will they completely cease my disablilty income? only thing I can do keeps me sane, will loose my house if loose benefits, they sent be a booklet on back to work program want aware of such a thing till now, any advice or help.
KR

Hi KR,

I don't have enough information about your circumstances to properly answer your question. People receiving Social Security disability benefits get a 9 month trial work period, during which they can earn any amount and not lose their benefits. After the trial work period is completed, their benefits may be suspended or terminated if they perform what is considered as substantial gainful activity (SGA). The current SGA guideline for 2017 is $1170, meaning that your benefits could be stopped if you earn more than that, or if you have been earning more than the SGA level up to now.

I would suggest carefully reading the booklet that Social Security sent to you (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf) to familiarize yourself with the rules, and contacting Social Security if you have questions about your specific situation.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 8 2017 - 7:54am
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