Noteboom The Law Firm

Returning To Work After a Disability

To help relieve the fears that any attempt to become employed in substantial gainful activity would result in a loss of Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration has allowed for trial work programs. These programs allow disabled individuals to safely attempt to return to the workforce without risking the premature loss of their benefits.

Through the trial work period, a disabled individual may attempt to work while still receiving their full disability benefits. Any month where they earn at least $720 or more while performing substantial gainful activity is considered a successful trial work period month. Once 9 of these months have been accumulated in a 60-month timeframe, the disabled individual is considered to be able to perform substantial gainful activity.

Upon completion of a successful trial work period (once an individual has established that they can complete substantial gainful activity) their benefits will continue for up to 36 months as long as their monthly wages do not exceed $1,000.

If benefits stop due to the ability to perform substantial gainful activity they may be immediately reinstated within 5 years should the disability again prevent you from working. This protection, as well as the extended benefits during the trial work period and 3 years following, is an incentive to motivate disabled individuals to attempt to earn income without fear of losing necessary financial support.

Understanding what substantial gainful activity is and how it impacts your Social Security disability benefits is important when you are seeking to resume working following a disabling event. If you are considering attempting to return to work, you should consult with a Ft. Lauderdale Social Security attorney to discuss your options. 

Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Social Security Disability Attorney 

If you or your dependant child have been diagnosed with a severe physical or mental disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Contact a Social Security disability attorney who can help determine your eligibility.

Get a FREE Social Security disability guide and avoid the common mistakes many claimants make during their application or appeal. If you or your loved are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. 1-888-234-5758