July is here, and with it comes a new round of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments! If you receive SSDI benefits, you should be aware that there is a new monthly income limit for working SSDI recipients. The updated limit is set at $1,620 per month, which means you can continue to work, but you must ensure your earnings do not exceed this amount to maintain your benefits.
Can You Work and Still Receive SSDI?
Many SSDI recipients don’t realize they can still work while receiving their benefits. The truth is, as long as you stay under the new income limit of $1,620 per month, you can have a job and enjoy your independence without risking your SSDI payments. However, if your earnings go above this amount, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may decide that you no longer qualify for SSDI, assuming your disability no longer prevents you from working.
This income cap is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and it helps the SSA determine whether or not you still qualify for monthly SSDI payments. If you consistently earn above this limit, the SSA may review your case and decide that you no longer have a disability preventing you from doing “substantial work.”
Who Can Receive the Full SSDI Payment?
The standard SSDI income cap is $1,620, but there are exceptions. For example, if you are legally blind, you can earn up to $2,590 per month without losing your SSDI benefits. Additionally, if you’re in a Trial Work Period, you can temporarily exceed the monthly income limit without losing your SSDI payments. This period lasts 9 months and helps SSDI recipients transition back into the workforce.
The Trial Work Period
The Trial Work Period allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to return to work without losing their benefits. During this 9-month period, you can exceed the monthly income limit (up to $1,620) without losing your benefits. However, you must report all income and job changes to the SSA to avoid penalties or suspension of your benefits. It’s essential to keep track of any changes during this period to ensure you stay compliant with SSA regulations.
What Happens if You Don’t Report Your Income?
The SSA is very strict about income reporting. If you fail to report your income correctly, you could face serious consequences, including suspension of your payments, a thorough review of your case, and a demand for repayment of benefits. To avoid any issues, it’s best to maintain a record of your earnings, save your payment documents, and respond to any notices the SSA sends you promptly.
Can You Really Work and Keep Your SSDI?
The common misconception is that you have to stop working to keep your SSDI benefits, but that’s not true. You can work part-time or have irregular income, as long as your monthly earnings do not exceed the limit of $1,620 (or $2,590 if you are blind). Staying below the income limit ensures that your SSDI benefits will continue. Even a single month of exceeding the income threshold could lead to an automatic review of your case, and you might lose your benefits. So, it’s essential to stay under the limit and report any income changes, job changes, or shifts in work hours promptly.
How to Report Your Income to the SSA
You can report your income to the SSA through several methods. You can do it online via the SSA website, by calling the SSA’s toll-free number, or by visiting your local SSA office for help with reporting. You can also request an individualized review to understand exactly how much you’re allowed to earn based on your medical and work situation.
Avoid Surprises with Your SSDI Payment
Your SSDI check is crucial for your livelihood, especially if you can’t work due to a disability. The last thing you want is to lose your benefits due to an income misstep. With the new income limits in place for July, make sure you keep track of your earnings, stay under the threshold, and report any changes quickly. That way, you can continue to enjoy your SSDI payments while still having the freedom to work.
As July arrives with new SSDI payments, be mindful of the new income limits to ensure you continue receiving your benefits. Working while on SSDI is possible, but you must stay within the limits and report all changes accurately to avoid issues with the SSA. Enjoy the summer and stay on top of your SSDI requirements to maintain your benefits!
