How Do Social Security Income Limits Impact Me Returning to Work?

When you file for Social Security disability benefits or Social Security survivor benefits, your work can affect your monthly compensation. As simply explained by the Social Security Administration (SSA), “if you’re younger than full retirement age, and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced.” Here, our Chicago metro Social Security disability lawyer Harold W. Conick provides a more thorough explanation of how Social Security income limits affect returning to the workplace.

Social Security Income Limits: What to Know About the Red Book 

The Social Security Administration publishes a Red Book. Also known as A Guide to Work Incentives, the SSA Red Book is a general resource manual that helps people who are receiving SSDI or SSI benefits navigate a potential return to the workplace. You should know the following three key things about the Social Security disability Red Book:

1. You Must Report a Change in Work Status: As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that SSA regulations require immediate notification of any material changes in work status. If you receive SSDI benefits or SSI benefits and you are getting ready to go back to work, you must inform the SSA. Failure to do so could cause significant problems.
2. The SSA Will Review Your Benefits Periodically: Notably, the SSA will review your disability benefits on its own. The agency will determine if the situation has changed, and you are now in a position to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you are deemed suitable to go back to work, the SSA could cut off your Social Security disability benefits.
3. Your Benefits Will Stop If You No Longer Satisfy Medical or SGA Requirements: Finally, the SSA can stop Social Security disability benefits if an applicant/recipient no longer meets all medical and legal requirements. If you are deemed no longer disabled because your medical situation has improved, your benefits can be stopped on medical grounds. If you return to work and are earning money, or engage in substantial gainful activity, beyond the maximum allowable limit, then your disability benefits can be stopped on legal/financial grounds.

The Bottom Line: Earning money through substantial gainful activity, or work, will have a major effect on your SSD benefits. Social Security disability benefits and a potential return to the workplace can be a complicated matter. It is normal to have a lot of questions and concerns about your legal rights and legal obligations. An experienced Chicago SSDI & SSI claims attorney can help you navigate the process. 

Get Help From a Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area Social Security Disability Lawyer Today 

At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our Chicago Social Security disability attorney has deep experience handling SSDI claims and SSI claims. If you have any questions about income limits and returning to work, we are available to provide guidance.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for immediate help with your case.

We handle disability claims throughout the Chicago metro area, including, Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake, McHenry counties, western Indiana, and southern Wisconsin.