The typical Social Security disability benefits recipient most likely does not understand the minutiae surrounding the Social Security trial work period. Luckily, a Livonia disability lawyer can advise disability benefits recipients about the best way to navigate the trial work period.
The trial work period is basically a period of nine months where disability benefits recipients can judge their ability to comfortably work again. The purpose is to give disability benefits recipients a risk-free, no pressure time period to decide whether they can return to work or not while still receiving disability benefits. If they decide they cannot comfortably return to work before the end of the trial work period, then their monthly disability benefits do not stop (assuming their infirmity does not improve or disappear).
On the other hand, if people decide to work full-time, they relinquish their disability benefits in favor of a full-time paycheck. A Livonia disability lawyer would say that it is a win-win situation for disability benefits recipients, as long as recipients follow regulations.
The type of work performed does not affect the trial work period; the Social Security Administration considers part-time and full-time work valid work through the trial period. Thus, anyone receiving disability benefits should be careful not to “waste” their trial work period performing part-time work.
However, there are also important rules regulating the amount of income earned. If a disability recipient’s income surpasses the maximum amount set by the Social Security Administration for nine consecutive or interrupted months within a five year period, the recipient can no longer utilize the trial work period. Disability recipients should work full-time but keep their income below the maximum allowed amount.
The Social Security Administration considers that person no longer eligible to receive benefits because they are earning a full time paycheck.
Are you still unsure about the best plan of action surrounding your Social Security disability benefits and the trial work period? Don’t be afraid to ask for help from an experienced and dedicated Livonia disability lawyer. Call J.B. Bieske and Jennifer Alfonsi, Attorneys at Law, at (800) 331-3530.