By: Melissa A. Davidson
Social Security Disability is for people who are unable to work. To qualify for benefits, you must have a disabling condition that will prevent you from working 12 months in a row. However, Social Security will allow you to work part time. For 2010, a person waiting for approval of their claim can earn up to $1,000 per month before taxes. However, if you do work, Social Security will want to know why you can only work part time rather than full time. This can be a hard question to answer in court. If you must work, we suggest that you do not work more than 20 hours per week, and be sure you stay well under $1,000 per month.
If you are receiving Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits from your employer or an insurance company, we do not advise that you work at all. In most cases, every dollar you earn is subtracted from the monthly LTD benefit.
If you are working, or do get a job while waiting for your benefits, please notify your case administrator right away so we can help you stay within the limits allowed by Social Security.