Anyone in Florida who suffered a debilitating injury or illness would likely attempt to get back to work and earn a steady income to ease the financial burden. Those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits might not be aware of their options. SSDI has different time frames when it comes to returning to work, starting with the Trial Work Period, which does not affect the person’s disability benefits.
This period stretches over 60 months during which time the person must work for nine months — not necessarily consecutive months. There is no limit on the income level during that period. If the person can continue work activities, he or she will enter into the Extended Period of Eligibility time frame that will last for another three consecutive months after completion of the Trial Work Period.
Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits will continue, but the wage earned might affect the amount of disability compensation. The worker must report his or her earnings to the Social Security Administration throughout this time. The SSA will determine whether the income qualifies as a substantial gainful income, and if the gross earnings exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity limits, disability benefits might be affected.
If the individual cannot continue working during the Extended Period of Eligibility, he or she will not have to reapply for Social Security disability benefits. An experienced Florida attorney can provide further details about returning to work while receiving disability benefits. A lawyer can also explain the criteria that will determine if, and when the SSA will stop providing disability benefits.