Some Questions About Social Security Benefits

10/8/2015 12:00:00 AM

Can I return to work while getting Social Security disability benefits?

Yes, you can return to work while receiving Social Security disability benefits. There are special rules to help you get back to work without jeopardizing your benefits. You may be eligible for a nine month trial work period to test whether you can work.

 

What are the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). Then, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability.

In general, we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more, or who have a condition expected to end in death. The disability must be so severe the worker cannot work, considering age, education and experience. If you think you may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, you can use the online application

Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:

  • You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment;
  • You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
  • You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.

 

How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits?

It takes at least three-to-five months to get a decision on your disability application. The time frame can vary depending on:

  • The nature of your disability;
  • How quickly your medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source is received;
  • Whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination; and

If you would like to apply for disability benefits, you can the online application.

Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:

  • You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment;
  • You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
  • You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.

 

How do Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments differ?

The two programs are financed differently. Employment taxes primarily finance Social Security retirement, survivors and disability insurance benefits. Generally, Social Security pays benefits to eligible workers and their families, based on the worker’s earnings. Meanwhile, general taxes fund the SSI program, which serves the needy. SSI eligibility depends largely on limited income and resources.

 

What is substantial gainful activity?

The term “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we generally consider that you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. You would not be eligible for disability benefits.

 

Can children with disabilities get Social Security benefits?

A child with a disability age 18 or older may get Social Security benefits when a parent gets retirement or disability benefits. The child also can get benefits if a parent dies. The child’s disability must have begun before age 22.

 

What is the Ticket To Work Program?

The Ticket To Work Program can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, save more money, and become financially independent, all while they keep their health coverage. Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that gives beneficiaries real choices that can help them create and lead better lives. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability probably already qualify for the program.

 

How do I appeal a decision on my application for disability benefits?

When a decision is made on your application, you will receive a letter explaining it. If you do not agree with the decision, you can appeal. That is, you can ask that your case be reviewed again. You must appeal within 60 days from the date you got the decision letter. You can:

 

For more information on these questions or others, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 



 News from National  

Get the latest news, resources and information from our national affiliate, United Spinal Association.



  Our Mission

The Mission of the Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury Association (SCIACT), a chapter of United Spinal Association, is to support those with spinal related injuries or diseases and their families by being an advocate for their rights while serving as a resource to its members and the general public.

Learn More

 More stories in Chapter News

  Hurricane Helene Relief for Wheelchair Users Is on the Way

Go To Article...

  All-terrain wheelchairs coming to Connecticut state parks

Go To Article...

  Congratulations to Diana Pernigotti, our latest Philip B. Arnold Award recipient!

Read More...

  Lawmakers pass bill that will lower wheelchair repair times

Go To Article...

  Disability Rights and Justice Rally 4.18.2024

Go To Article...

  Wheelchair users protest long repair wait times in Hartford

Go To Article...

  Disabled Sailing Online Seminar: Wheels On The Docks

Read More...

  Connecticut Wheelchair Repair Task Force pushes for change

Go To Article...

  Participate in a Study Using a Physical Activity App

Go To Article...

  Registration Opens for Gaylord Adaptive Skiing Program

Read More...

  Daisy Award given to Karen Doukas, RN of Gaylord Hospital

Read More...

  Seated Strong Exercise Classes

Read More...

  YOUR VOICE COUNTS - Please take and share this important Survey!

Go To Article...

  These CT residents have muscular dystrophy, quadriplegia or other injuries....

Read More...

  WEBINAR: Sexuality and Sexual Function in SCI

Go To Article...

  WEBINAR: Men Living with Paralysis and Dating

Go To Article...

  Participate in Disability Travel Research, Chance to Win Prizes

Go To Article...

  Participants needed for the international SCI Exercise Counselling Survey

Read More...

  Get your free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits to help stop the spread of COVID

Read More...

  Open House at New Horizons Village Dec 1

Read More...

  Medicare Open Enrollment 2021 - Oct 15 - Dec 7

Go To Article...

  CARP 2021 Rowing & Kayaking season is here!

Read More...

  SILC Seeks New Board Members

Go To Article...

  A Research Study on COVID-19 and Disabilities

Go To Article...

  We mourn the passing of Travis Roy (1975 to 2020): Hockey Player, Inspiration, Friend

Read More...

  State of CT launches ABLE CT program for individuals living with disabilities

Go To Article...

  The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance

Go To Article...

  United Spinal offering 5 free COVID-19 masks

Go To Article...

  Upcoming Election Coverage

Read More...

  Online Event: Mindfulness and Resilience Tips for People with SCI

Go To Article...

  211 of CT: Info and Resources for Communities during Covid-19

Read More...

  Hand Hygiene for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

Read More...

  Exploring Timeliness of Cancer Diagnosis in Persons with Physical Disability

Go To Article...

  Seating and Mobility Services at Gaylord Specialty Care

Go To Article...

  16-year-old helps man in wheelchair get home before severe weather strikes

Read More...

  Exercise and Fitness after Spinal Cord Injury Video Wins Silver Telly Award

Read More...

  National Nurses Week May 6 - 12, 2019

Read More...

  Connecticut State Park Access for Persons with Disabilities

Go To Article...

  Take a Disability & Transportation Survey from Virginia Tech

Go To Article...

  Casting for Print Shoot For a New Razor...

Read More...

  Honoring our Veterans: Tim Fournier & Steve Emt

Read More...

  New Horizons Art Celebration Dec 2 featuring Blind Boys of Alabama

Go To Article...

  Roll a day in someone else’s chair - 6th Annual Walk-n-Roll

Go To Article...

  New Horizons Wellness Fair Oct 20 2018

Go To Article...

  Check out United Spinal's New Mobility Magazine

Go To Article...

  Our Resource Directory is Online!

Read More...

  Sports Academy senior organizes wheelchair rugby tournament

Go To Article...

  Danbury-area spinal injury support group forming

Go To Article...

  Yale Scientist Aiming To Reverse Spinal Cord Injuries

Go To Article...

  A SCIACT Success Story: Meet Nicole

Go To Article...

  First paralyzed human treated with stem cells has now regained his upper body movement

Go To Article...

  Annual Meeting Recap: Standing Wheelchairs!

Read More...

  Pictures from the 2016 Twilight Gala

Read More...

  Hollister offers free catheters to United Spinal & its affiliates

Read More...

  We've Changed our Name!

Read More...

  United Spinal's Roll on Capitol Hill

Go To Article...

  Man walks again after years of paralysis

Go To Article...

  Gaylord Hosts Meeting with National Spinal Cord Injury Organizations

Read More...

  180 Medical Scholarship Program open to those with SCI

Go To Article...

  Looking for an Accessible Vacation Spot?

Read More...

  Check Out Chapter 126

Go To Article...

  Powerful Tools for Caregivers receives proclamation from Danbury Mayor

Read More...

  Free lifetime pass for National Parks for disabled U.S. citizens

Go To Article...

  Take this Adaptive Sports Survey!

Go To Article...

  Seniors initially denied motorized wheelchairs receive them

Read More...

  Got SCI Questions? We've Got Answers!

Go To Article...

  East Granby Company Knows An Inspirational Story When It Sees One

Go To Article...

  CT Chapter teams up with Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Read More...

  The Annual Wheeling and Able Golf Classic has another successful year!

Read More...

  Research Study: Are you living with a long-term incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?

Read More...

  Upper Limb Robotic Training Study in Spinal Cord Injury

Go To Article...

  Quadriplegic Participants Needed For Research Study

Read More...

  Connecticut Loses a Great Advocate

Read More...



  Donate

Donating to the NSCIA CT Chapter has never been easier or more secure! Please click this button to donate the amount of your choice using the payment method of your choice.