Supplementing Your Income When Applying For Social Security Disability In Florida
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps offset lost earnings if a long-term disability impacts your ability to work. Once you apply and get approved, you may be entitled to reimbursement of up to two-thirds of your prior earnings, enabling you to continue providing for yourself and your family.
Unfortunately, the application process rarely proves easy, and Social Security disability claims in Florida are frequently denied or delayed. Our Orlando Social Security disability lawyer shares ways to supplement your income during this time and once you begin receiving SSDI payments.
Can You Make Money While Waiting To Get Florida Social Security Disability Benefits Approved?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial benefits for people who suffer injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions that impact their ability to work and are expected to last for a year or longer. Provided you have accumulated the required 40 work credits, have a qualifying condition, and worked at least five of the last ten years, you may be entitled to benefit payments that help make up for your lost income.
It is a common misconception that you must be completely disabled and unable to work before being able to submit a claim. This is not the case. Under SSA guidelines, your long-term disability must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). This refers to the maximum income you can earn and still be considered disabled. It differs depending on prior income and the type of disability you have.
While each case is different, you generally can continue to work or otherwise receive money during the claims process and while waiting for approval, which typically takes five months or more. Options available include:
- Getting a part-time job in another field;
- Starting a small home business;
- Borrowing funds from family or friends;
- Cashing in investments and taking withdrawals from retirement accounts.
Can I Work Part-Time And Get Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida?
While you may be entitled to disability benefits through the SSA, the claims process is lengthy, and denials are common. You have the right to file an appeal, but this could mean waiting a year or longer before you begin receiving payments. Any income or other money received during this time can help provide for basic needs.
Even once approved for Social Security disability benefits in Florida, the amount you receive may not cover all of your costs. Fortunately, the SSA offers the ticket-to-work program, which allows you to make up to a certain amount before it impacts your benefits. Part-time income earned through this program can help provide for yourself and your family members.
Discuss Available Options With Our Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer
SSDI benefits can help offset lost income due to long-term disabilities. At Farrell Disability Law, our experienced Florida Social Security disability lawyer can outline your options for supplementing income while still meeting eligibility guidelines. Call or contact our legal team online to schedule a consultation in our Jacksonville or Orlando office today.
Sources:
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
origin.ssa.gov/oact/COLA/sga.html
ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf
