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You Can Attempt To Work While On SSD Benefits

With the advances in modern medicine making improvements for many living with disabling conditions some impairments may be lessened over time. At initial approval for Social Security disability benefits, your condition must have lasted for a year or be expected to last at least a year or until death. Thanks to medical improvements, many conditions that would have previously prevented a person from working can now be managed to allow them to return to substantial gainful activity. 

Many people who are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits may be reluctant to attempt to return to work, fearing that even though they may think they can handle it, their disability will eventually cause them to cease work again. For this reason, the Social Security Administration allows for a disabled claimant to attempt to return to work without penalty if their attempt lasts no longer than 6 months.

This period of trial work effort is known as an unsuccessful work attempt and in most cases will not impact your normal Social Security disability benefits. The purpose of the program is to encourage those with an impairing condition to attempt to return to work so they can provide for themselves financially. Because many are reluctant to risk losing their benefits, they can attempt to work while receiving benefits and their wages do not count against them.

There are many nuances about an unsuccessful work attempt including time periods, verifying the reason of work termination, and criteria for what is considered substantial gainful activity. Because it is important to properly document your unsuccessful work attempt, you should consult with your Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney when you are considering returning to work.

Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Social Security Disability Attorney 

If you or your loved one is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.