For those unable to work due to a medical condition, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) can provide a small monthly payment. It's difficult and time-consuming to apply and get approved and then you might be surprised at the low amount you will be receiving each month. SSDI is not supposed to be a substitute for the income you were earning at your last job and most people will be challenged to live on what is provided even when they do get approved. For those who are counting on this benefit, it's helpful to understand how you can add to the SSDI income and still qualify for benefits. Read on to learn more.
How much will your SSDI income be?
Almost anyone can go onto the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and see what to expect if they should need disability income. The amount is based on the last few years of your earnings and not necessarily on your highest or most recent earnings. It might be helpful to know that the average amount of a monthly SSDI benefit payment in 2018 is approximately $1,197.
You are limited in your earnings
Most people will find it difficult to live on those earnings alone, but the SSA has rules about how much money you can earn while receiving benefits. You can earn up to about $1,180 a month and still get your monthly benefit. Caution is urged, however. It is not just the amount but the work you actually do to earn it that might get you in trouble with the SSA. The work cannot be similar to that of your last job or the SSA will stop your payments.
You may have other options
Not all of your income is counted towards those earning limits. If you are able to use some of the following as forms of income it won't be counted against the monthly limit:
1. Gifts of cash or other liquid assets
2. Income from investments, stocks, bonds and other interest-bearing assets
3. Income from rental properties
4. Money your spouse or partner earns
5. Gambling or lottery winnings
If you are having trouble with your approval
If you cannot work at your job the amount of income you must live on might be viewed as better than nothing at all and many people seek SSDI help as a last resort. Not everyone is approved on their first try, however. If you've been denied your benefits, you have the right to an appeal hearing and this is where many applicants find help at last. Taking a Social Security lawyer with you to your appeal is an excellent idea and might be exactly what is needed to get your benefits approved. Speak to a Social Security lawyer today, such as at Parmele Law Firm, PC , about your chances of getting your claim approved on appeal.
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