Applying for Social Security Disability can be complicated and lengthy. In this blog, we are sharing the answer to a question that we often receive as Leesburg SSDI attorneys.
Can I work while I wait for my Social Security Disability benefits to be approved? This is a common inquiry from claimants when consulting with their Leesburg SSDI attorney. Keep reading to learn more information that you should know when applying for benefits.
Who Receives Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to people who need it most. The program provides monthly payments to disabled individuals who do not work because of a medical condition or injury. However, obtaining these benefits is not as simple as just sending in an application and receiving a check in the mail. The process can be slow, and waiting for benefit payments to be approved can cause financial strain on many claimants.
How Long Do Disability Benefits Take To Be Approved?
The SSA (Social Security Administration) states that it generally takes 3 to 5 months just to receive a determination on your eligibility for disability benefits. Even then, your claim could be denied. Adding on the appeals process after a denial only lengthens the amount of time that a claimant could be without a steady income.
While you will receive a retroactive benefit payment for the time that you were waiting for approval, you still need to wait until you are deemed eligible to get it. During this waiting period, claimants still have bills to pay, medical expenses, and other living expenses that do not stop simply because they are unable to work.
Because of this, some claimants consider attempting to work to support themselves and their families while they wait for their benefits to be approved.
Can You Work While You Wait For Your Disability Benefits To Be Approved?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you may think. Generally, Social Security benefits would support someone who is not able to work substantially for at least 12 months due to a medical condition. With this in mind, it may not always reflect well on your claim if you are working while you wait for a decision. The Social Security Administration may assume that you are not disabled if you are working – even if you are struggling to do so.
However, many claimants can work as long as they are earning income below the threshold of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is set at $1,350 in 2022. Some exceptions may be made for individuals who have unsuccessful work attempts while they are waiting for approval. In a scenario like this, the claimant may have stopped working due to their disability and applied for benefits. After they applied, they may attempt to work again to support themselves, and then be forced to reduce their hours or quit once again due to their condition.
Each disability case is unique, and to get advice that relates directly to your situation it is best to consult a skilled Leesburg SSDI attorney.
Culbertson Law Group Has The Leesburg SSDI Attorney You Need
Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience serving the Central Florida area. If you are looking for capable legal representation, contact us today. We would be happy to guide you through the disability benefits process.