Ask Larry

Can I Still Work?

I went above the allotted amount, so they suspended my benefits. I have stop working since then. So my question is can I still work as long as I don't go over being that I past the 36 months trial period?

Hi. I'm assuming from the wording of your question that you've been receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. If that's the case and if you're still in your extended period of eligibility (EPE), then you could be paid for any month that you earn below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. The EPE extends for at least 36 months following the 9th month of your trial work period (TWP), but it can continue indefinitely as long as you don't earn above SGA level after 36 months have passed since the end of your TWP.

The current SGA level for non-blind individuals is $1310, and for blind individuals it is $2190. For more information about working while collecting SSDI benefits, refer to the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sep 4 2021 - 12:20pm
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