Hi
I was born with a life threatening disease and got on disability in 2008 when I just couldn't work anymore due to daily unpredictable issues with my health. I have had multiple death threatening situations since I applied but have been very lucky so far to receive incredible treatment by wonderful doctors so there is no telling if I will live to see retirement or not. I am an artist and from time to time I see opportunities to apply for grants to due projects that have real lenient schedules and can be done on my own time. I am currently looking to applying for a project grant of $7500. If I get it, would this jeopordize my SSDI benefits which I depend on? I really appreciate your response very much and thanks for your time.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your disease.

As long as you are only receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) and not Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a grant like you mention wouldn't directly affect your benefits. However, if you perform work as an employee or self-employed artist, your earnings could potentially cause your benefits to stop.

People on SSDI who return to work can generally continue to be paid for at least the first 9 months that they work, which is referred to as a trial work period. Thereafter, their benefits may be suspended and eventually terminated if they continue to do substantial gainful work, which in 2017 is set at $1170 per month. For more information on working while disabled, refer to this Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

Best, Jerry