Can You Collect Social Security Retirement And Disability At The Same Time
Home » Frequently Asked Questions » Can You Collect Social Security Retirement and Disability at the Same Time?
In most cases, you cannot collect Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time. You may, however, qualify for Supplemental Security Income if you meet the strict financial criteria while drawing either Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits.
The Social Security Administration created the SSDI program to bridge the gap between when someone must leave the workforce due to a disability and when they can draw retirement benefits. For this reason, there is only one way to collect both retirement and SSDI at the same time.
Who Qualifies For Ssi And What Benefits Do They Receive
To qualify for SSI, applicants must be aged or disabled and have little or no income and few assets .
In 2014, the basic monthly SSI benefit is $721 for an individual and $1,082 for a couple. Beneficiaries who live in another persons household and receive in-kind maintenance and support qualify for one-third less than this amount, while beneficiaries who receive long-term care in a Medicaid-funded institution qualify for $30 per month. Many states supplement the federal SSI benefit, though state budget cuts are crimping those additional payments.
Those benefits, though, are reduced when recipients have other income. In determining a persons SSI eligibility and benefit levels, SSA exempts the first $20 per month of unearned income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, interest income, or child support as well as the first $65 per month of earnings . Above those thresholds, each dollar of unearned income reduces SSI benefits by a dollar, while each dollar of earned income reduces SSI benefits by just 50 cents a provision that is meant to encourage work. SSA also exempts certain work-related expenses when reducing SSI benefits because of earnings. While a small percentage of SSI recipients have some earnings and a somewhat greater percentage have unearned income, most recipients have no other source of income .
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Designation
You should be aware of another type of representation called Advance Designation. This relates to the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018, which was signed into law on April 13, 2018.
Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minor applicants and beneficiaries of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Special Veterans Benefits to choose one or more individuals to serve as their representative payee in the future, if the need arises.
To help protect whats important to you, we now offer the option to choose a representative payee in advance. In the event that you can no longer make your own decisions, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing you already chose someone you trust to manage your benefits. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees, but we must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.
You can submit your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal account, by telephone, or in person.
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Should I Get Professional Help
If you need help filing an application for SSDI or SSI, or you want to appeal a denied claim, contact an experienced disability representative to discuss your options. Disability attorneys and advocates virtually always offer free consultations, and don’t charge a fee unless you win your case.
According to a survey of our readers, applicants who filed an initial application without help were denied 80% of the time. Getting help at the initial application stage gives you a good chance of getting benefits in just three or four months. That’s because a legal professional can help you complete your initial application for benefits in a way that’s accurate but persuasive. If you’d like help with your application, click for a free case evaluation with a legal expert.
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How To Qualify For Ssi
For both programs, you need to establish that you have a disability, but SSI has a slightly broader definition. Specifically, SSI is available to people who are disabled, blind, or over 65. SSDI doesnât consider non-disabled senior citizens, since this group would qualify for Social Security retirement benefits on their work record, making SSDI eligibility a moot point.
In addition, SSI qualification is based on your resources. Specifically, if your resources are worth more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, youâre considered to be ineligible. This amount includes most personal property, but excludes certain items, such as your primary home.
There are also strict income requirements for SSI eligibility. When determining your benefit eligibility, the first $65 in wage income you earn each month is excluded. Over that amount, every two dollars you earn will result in a one-dollar reduction in your monthly benefit.
For the complete details on SSI eligibility, check out this guide from the SSA.
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What Happens To Social Security Disability Benefits When A Spouse Dies
- When a spouse dies, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. Find out how Social Security disability works when your spouse passes.
The loss of a spouse is difficult enough, but along with it, there are financial issues to sort out. When a spouse who had been collecting Social Security disability benefits passes away, that benefit is sometimes passed onto the surviving spouse if they meet certain criteria.
Remember that each persons situation is different, and if you have any questions about whether or not youd qualify to receive Social Security disability after a spouse passes, you can contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to a Social Security representative.
Learn more below about the intricacies of how Social Security disability works after a spouse dies.
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What Happens If The Adult Child Gets Married
If he or she receives benefits as a disabled adult child, the benefits generally end if he or she gets married. However, some marriages are considered protected.
The rules vary depending on the situation. Contact a Social Security representative at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if the benefits can continue.
1-800-772-1213
To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.
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Calculating The Ssdi Benefit
The Social Security Administration calculates your Social Security Disability Insurance benefit by using a formula which uses your earnings record and your age. The SSDI benefitâs calculation uses your average earnings for all the years you have worked and not just your most recent work history.
SSDI benefits are given solely based on your earnings record, not on the calculated cost for food, rent or any other housing expenses. There is not a minimum Social Security Disability benefit. The Social Security Administration does have another disability benefit program called Supplemental Security Income and if your Social Security Disability Insurance payment is small enough, and you meet other income and resource requirements, you may be able to qualify for additional SSI disability benefits.
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When we represent you, we provide more than legal support our team also fights for your best interests, checks on your personal progress, and updates you on the progress of your case.
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Information You Need To Apply
Before applying, be ready to provide information about yourself, your medical condition, and your work. We recommend you print and review the . It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application.
Information About You
- Your date and place of birth and Social Security number.
- The name, Social Security number, and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death .
- Names and dates of birth of children not yet 18 years of age.
- Your bank or other and the account number.
Information About Your Medical Condition
- Name, address, and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your application.
- Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries, or conditions:
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
- Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them.
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who ordered them.
Information About Your Work:
- Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or other .
We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns, or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate.
Do not delay applying for benefits because you do not have all the documents. We will help you get them.
Disability Help Center Can Help You With Your Disability Claim
If you are currently in the process of applying for Social Security disability or SSI, you probably are already aware that it is a challenging and drawn out process.
Represent Myself offers you expert guidance, video tutorials, and support from knowledgeable professionals who understand how the application and appeals process works.
With our tools and knowledge, you will never need to hire a disability lawyer to obtain benefits which can save you a substantial amount of time and money.
We encourage you to apply for social security disability or SSI, even if you are not sure whether or not you will qualify. A representative at your local Social Security field office will be able to inform you about your eligibility based on your income and expenses.
Dont assume that you wont be eligible just because you earn a certain amount or arent sure about your eligibility. The SSA considers many factors when calculating your eligibility for SSDI or SSI and the amount that you can qualify for.
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Disability Help Center San Diego 1833 Fourth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
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Can You Work While On Social Security Disability Yes But Use Caution
Social Security Disability benefits are for individuals who genuinely need financial help and cannot maintain full-time work. Can you work while on Social Security Disability? Yes! However, its important not to abuse the system. Use caution and make accurate earning reports when choosing part-time work to supplement your disability benefits from the SSA.
If you need help navigating the rules of your disability benefits, we can help! Contact our team or call us 617-825-0965.
Home » FAQs » Social Security Disability » How Many Hours Can I Work While On SSDI?
To receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must meet specific criteria. If you are earning money, you can only make up to a certain amount to qualify for benefits. For most people, how many hours you work doesnt count as much as how muchyou earn per month on SSDI.
The Social Security Administration will determine whether youre engaging in substantial gainful activity . SGA means:
- You are earning more than a certain monthly amount .
- For 2020, the SGA amount is $1,260 per month. For blind individuals, the SGA is $2,110 per month.
- Its essential to check the SGA each year, as it can increase.
Most of the time, how much you earn matters more than work hours. However, there are exceptions.
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Medical Coverage For Ssi And Ssdi
Individuals who receive payments under the SSI program receive Medicaid. Medicaid benefits start right away. Individuals receiving SSDI will receive Medicare benefits. However, these benefits will not begin right away. Medicare benefits start two years after a person is found eligible for SSDI. However, Medicare does not cover all primary medical care. You may need to purchase an additional policy to supplement Medicare benefits.
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Benefits Of Receiving Both Ssi And Ssdi
SSDI and SSI benefits together can be helpful because they could get you as much money as possible through the SSA. For example, if you are already qualify for SSDI benefits, getting approved for SSI could increase your payout to the maximum of $794. Even if you started off getting SSI benefits, applying for SSDI could also raise your payments to $794.
The other benefit of getting SSDI and SSI is that you could be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid together. SSI receipts in most states are eligible for Medicaid as soon as they are for SSI. SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare two years after their disability onset date. Medicare is generally accepted by more doctors, but Medicaid is more affordable and you dont have to wait for it.
The Basics About Disability Benefits
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain if you are insured. This means that you worked long enough and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. If you meet the non-medical requirements, monthly benefits are paid if you have a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
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Social Security Disability Thresholds
Disabled Worker, Spouse and One or More Children: $2,195
All Disabled Workers: $1,261
Disabled Worker, Spouse and One or More Children: $2,224
All Disabled Workers: $1,277
How can you increase your social security disability benefits or how can you receive the maximum social security disability benefits?
Unfortunately, since the formula is largely based on your work history, there are not many ways to increase the amount you can receive for social security disability payments or benefits.
However, it is crucial to take immediate steps as soon as you become disabled and are no longer able to work. Your condition must last for at least a year, is expected to last for at least a year, or will end in death. You can ask an SSDI lawyer or representative for assistance or receive a free evaluation to determine the amount you may be eligible for. Further, you can ask your doctor to help you fill out some of the forms required to prove your disability. You must be specific when filling out this information, reporting your diagnosis, and how the disability affects your everyday life and inability to work.
In addition to social security disability benefit payments, you can also receive other forms of disability benefits, such as SSI, food stamps, affordable housing programs, or other forms of assistance.
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is also a great resource that you can use to find the right social security benefits for you.
Substantial Gainful Activity Sga
is an important concept to understand when pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The Social Security Administration defines it as the performance of significant mental and/or physical duties for profit.
SGA maximum amounts are set by the Social Security Administration and change regularly. If the SSA determines that your income is below the SGA maximum amount, you are financially eligible for disability payments. A higher SGA maximum amount is always set for blind individuals.
Your specific SGA income is calculated based on your gross earnings or your wages before taxes are taken out by the SSA. Impairment related work expenses are subtracted from the calculation, and you should not assume that you do not qualify for SSDI just because you earn a certain amount that exceeds the current SGA maximum.
It is important to note that SGA amounts change on a regular basis based on the national average wage index.
For more information on calculating your SGA income, you can contact your local Social Security field office to determine whether or not you meet the threshold with your current income and disability related expenses.
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Dependents And Social Security
One key difference between the two programs is how dependents are treated. Dependents may be eligible to collect Social Security after monthly benefits begin. Family members can receive a combined total equaling 150 to 180 percent of your Social Security benefit after you die. Child eligibility extends to age 18 unless the child is a student, in which case benefits continue until he graduates, or becomes disabled before age 22. Ex-spouses also may qualify two years after the divorce, provided the marriage lasted 10 years and they are at least 62.