Are You Allowed to Work on SSD?

Yes. In fact, the Social Security Administration encourages disability recipients to overcome the physical, emotional, and/or other challenges they face and return to the workforce. Some program requirements apply, which are discussed below. Furthermore, as of January 1, 2025, all disability recipients can earn up to $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for those who are legally blind, and continue to receive full disability benefits, such as Medicaid eligibility and a monthly cash stipend.

Usually, a Tampa disability lawyer plays multiple roles in SSD matters. First and foremost, a lawyer strongly advocates for your legal and financial rights. Additionally, a lawyer is a counselor who gives solid legal advice, especially about complex programs like the Ticket to Work, which have substantial pros and cons. Finally, a Tampa disability lawyer is something of a cheerleader who encourages victims through the long disability process.

Ticket to Work Program

TWP may be a good alternative for persons with non-fatal disabilities who were able to work well past their disability determination dates. To encourage people to get off disability and start earning a living, the Social Security Administration dangles three carrots in front of their eyes:

• Trial Work Period: SSD recipients can work up to nine months and keep their full disability benefits, no matter how much money they earn. Most SSA offices are also employment offices, to some extent. Available services often include resume writing, job banks, and other resources.
• Expedited Reinstatement: The EXR safety net gives transitioning people more time to adjust. If they must stop working because of their disabilities, they’re eligible for full benefits reinstatement without going through the application process. They’re also eligible for up to six months of limited temporary benefits while the SSA considers the matter.
• CDR Relief: Recipients who participate in the TWP may be eligible for a continuing disability review waiver. In other words, they don’t have to see SSA doctors once a year who may claim that their conditions are no longer “disabling” under SSA rules.

These carrots look fat and juicy. But in many cases, appearances can be deceiving. The TWP and EXR are the best two examples.

Many disability recipients eagerly sign up for the TWP, primarily because they expect considerable employment search support. But disability discrimination, though illegal, is widespread. If Jill signs up for the program, cannot find a job that’s a good fit, and drops out, she may lose program eligibility.

EXR usually only applies to the original disability. If Jill was on disability because of a heart condition and she slips and falls at work, her slip and fall disability claim probably isn’t EXR- eligible.

Sheltered Environment

Note that the monthly maximums we mentioned at the top of this post refer to SGA (substantial gainful activity) income. By definition, sheltered environment work doesn’t count toward the SGA threshold.

Sheltered environments include sheltered workshops, such as DAV (Disabled American Veterans) workshops, that cater to people with disabilities. Income in such workshops is often limited, because these places are often exempt from federal and state wage/hour laws. A family-owned business could also be a sheltered environment. These workplaces often offer accommodations, such as flexible schedules, extra breaks, or reduced productivity expectations, which are unavailable elsewhere.

Beware that the reasonable value rule sometimes applies. The SSA considered the reasonable value of the services rendered, not the actual value, when considering SGA threshold matters.

Connect with a Detail-Oriented Hillsborough County Lawyer 

Injury victims are entitled to important financial benefits. For a confidential consultation with an experienced disability lawyer in Tampa, contact Kobal Law. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.

Source:

ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html