Receiving social security disability benefits can provide life-changing income for those that can no longer work due to their disability. But if the social security administrations determines you are able to make money – even though it may not be the full amount you once earned– you can still be denied SSD benefits.
For those who do receive disability benefits, the amounts may not be enough to live the same lifestyle they once had. To combat this issue, individuals collecting social security disability checks will attempt to earn money while still drawing disability checks. However, although you can return to work, there are guidelines to the amount that can be earned, and this amount is adjusted every year as well. So the big question is, “how much can I earn while collecting social security disability in 2022?”
HOW MUCH INCOME CAN I EARN AND STILL BE ENTITLED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INCOME IN 2022?
You must first look at how much income the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider enough to support yourself without receiving benefits. Normally, if you are found to be able to perform a job that pays $1,350 per month or greater, SSA will often reject your claim. If you are blind, that threshold is higher, as that amount will typically be at $2,260 per month. This is because SSA has certain thresholds of income and if you are beyond that threshold, SSA will automatically deny your claim.
In addition to the income threshold, you also have to meet the medical requirements of disability. Your condition must be severe enough to interfere with your normal daily activities and ability to work, which encompasses both physical and mental limitations. Even if you are denied after you initially file for disability benefits, a lawyer can still help you file an appeal, which many times ends up in individuals ultimately receiving benefits. So do not give up just because you received a denial letter.
HOW MUCH INCOME CAN I EARN WHILE DRAWING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN 2022?
While you cannot earn over $1,350 per month to be approved for social security disability, the rules change if you are approved in terms of what you are allowed to make while drawing disability. Typically, if you are receiving social security disability benefits, you are likely not working anymore, BUT that doesnt mean you cant work. You are allowed to work and make money, BUT within a certain threshold. This is considered a trial work period.
For 2022, you can only early $970 per month during a trial work period while receiving social security disability benefits. If you earn less than $970, SSA will not count that month as a trial work period. Earning more than the $970 per month consistently, for a certain number of months, could cause your benefits to be discontinued. Since all earned income while drawing disability needs to be reported to SSA, earning too much will be flagged and counted. Also, if you decide to work while on social security disability, your inability to work a job which has a regular wage could come into question, which would lead to a re-evaluation of your benefits. If you are currently on social security disability benefits and thinking about working to earn additional income, it would be best you speak with an attorney first.