Do You Have To Quit Working To Receive Disability?

Disability benefits are available for those who cannot earn enough money to survive because of a physical or mental impairment. Therefore, if you are able to continue working despite being injured, disability insurance may not be for you.

However, there are some people who are able to work in only a limited capacity because of their injury. For them, it may be possible to continue working and to receive disability benefits as well.

If you are earning more than $1,090 a month, you will have to quit your job in order to receive disability benefits. That is the earning limit for disability coverage. That limit of $1,090 changes annually, and it is known as the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. If you earn more than the SGA, you will not receive any Social Security disability benefits. This holds true even if your medical condition is well documented and you earn well less than you did before your injury.

There are a couple exceptions to this rule. For example, if you require help from workers and assistive devices in order to work, you may still qualify for benefits. It may also be possible to receive benefits while remaining a small business owner or otherwise self-employed.

If you would like to continue working, and you earn less than the SGA, officials with the Social Security Administration (SSA) will take that into consideration. It may affect their decision regarding whether or not you are truly disabled and unable to work. Therefore, it is often easier to receive disability benefits when you are out of work. You do not, however, have to be without a job for 12 months before applying for benefits. You only have to show that your disability will last for at least 12 months.

You do not necessarily have to quit your job when applying for disability, but being able to obtain gainful employment may keep you from receiving benefits. Every case is different. It may be in your best interests to go over the specifics of your case with a Los Angeles social security disability attorney who will help you get the support you need.