You know your injury falls under the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability, meaning your application approval is almost a guarantee. That said, you may still want to work to earn more income to cover bills and maintain your life in Florida.
U.S. News & World Report points out that you can earn a limited income while receiving SSD benefits. Understand how you can make more money by working while on disability without jeopardizing your benefits.
Know the income caps
Before you head back to work after you start receiving benefits, know that you can continue receiving benefits as long as you do not earn more than $880 a month from your employer. That said, you may have to do some extra work-related spending to perform your job duties or get to and from work, in which case you can deduct those expenses from your income. For instance, you may have to buy your own special equipment or receive therapy to adequately perform your work duties.
Keep thorough records
While working and receiving benefits simultaneously, you need to keep detailed records to send to the SSA. For instance, you need to let them know when you start and stop working, any work-related expenses you cover with your own money and if you ever have to change work duties.
Testing your ability to work
The SSA wants benefits recipients to return to work ASAP. To that end, they have a trial period for recipients who earn between $880 and $1,220. Those who earn between that amount continue to receive benefits, but only if they do not earn more than $880 in a single month more than nine times within 60 months.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.