I am 57 y.o. and have been receiving SSDI since 2012.
I have read that it is possible to work while continuing to collect disability but there is conflicting information on the length of time this can occur and the maximum dollar amount to be earned.
In addition, when I first incurred the disability I was not married but married later that same year.
If that isn't enough, we are now separated which is the sole reason I need to work.
He currently receives SSI (born 1950-after the deadline).
I'm in need of your help.
Thank you!
M

Hi M,

I'll try to explain, but you should also review Social Security's pamphlet on this subject: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

After you start disability benefits, you can work for at least 9 months without losing your benefits, and with no limit on the amount of your earnings. This is called a trial work period. If you earn less than $810 per month, it won't even count as one of your trial work months.

Once you complete your trial work period (i.e. earn more than $810 per month for 9 months within a 5 year period), disability benefits still continue unless and until you start doing substantial gainful work (SGA), which is work with earnings averaging more than $1,130 per month.

So, if you work and earn less than $1,130 per month, your disability benefits will never stop as a result of your earnings. If, on the other hand, you complete your trial work period and then continue on to work at above SGA level, your disability benefits can be suspended after a 3-month grace period. However, even after benefits are suspended, there is a 3 year or longer extended period of eligibility (EPE). During the EPE, disability benefits can be reinstated for months that the individual earns less than $1,130, and can continue to be paid indefinitely.

You mention a husband, but you can't receive spousal benefits on his account until you are at least age 62. Even then, you would only be eligible for additional benefits if one-half of his full Social Security benefit amount is more than your own disability benefit amount.

Best, Jerry