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Two Letters, Same Answer

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By ADON TAFT, Life to the Fullest

Hernando Today

Published: November 10, 2008

Updated: 11/10/2008 03:21 pm

QUESTION: I read one of your articles in Hernando Today in which you talked about those receiving Social Security disability benefits being allowed to work. You stated that those people should work if they are able and that after a trial period they may earn up to $940 a month for a limited number of years without affecting their benefits.
Since I am a 60-year-old man receiving disability benefits, my question is whether the amount of earnings allowed is based on gross or net earnings? I also wonder how long the trial period is, how long you can earn the allowable $940 a month without affecting your benefits, what would happen if I made more than $940 a month, and whether I should notify Social Security if I make more than that?

C.M.
Brooksville

QUESTION: I have a question regarding working part time while receiving disability benefits. I work several hours weekly as a transporter/porter at an auto dealership (trips to the bank or post office, taking customers home, and occasionally filling in when the regular folks are ill, etc.).
I notified Social Security in writing a year and a half ago that I was trying to work because the cost of living was rising rapidly. Recently, I received a form letter stating that my work was not "substantial."
This week, one of the employees has had an injury and is expected to not work for several weeks. I have been asked to try to work additional hours.
My question is: how much can I earn, as I do not want to jeopardize my benefits? Is the allowable amount before taxes? And is that for any nine months in a 60-month period?

R.C.
Homosassa

ANSWER: The trial period for a disabled person receiving Social Security benefits who is making an effort to work is a total of nine months — not necessarily consecutive months — accumulated within a 60-month period.
During that trial period, there is no limit on the amount he or she may earn without affecting his or her Social Security benefit. However, the person must earn at least $670 a month for that month to be counted in the trial period.
For 36 months following the completion of the trial work period, the disabled person may receive Social Security benefits for any month in which his or her earnings fall below the "substantial" mark of $940. For those who are blind, the mark is $1,570 a month
Social Security should be notified when you are working. Ordinarily, gross earnings — that is before taxes or other deductions — are what count. However, there are some exceptions for work expenses related to the person's disability. For example, if the person's medical condition is such that he or she cannot use public transportation, the cost of taking a taxi cab to work may be deductible.
Should the person's disability recur during the five years following a successful work trial, he or she need not file a new application and wait until the medical condition is reviewed before receiving benefits. All that is necessary is to ask for the renewal.
When a disabled person reaches age 66, the Social Security benefit automatically becomes a retirement benefit rather than a disability benefit.

If you have questions about any issues related to aging, except medical conditions, please write to Life to the Fullest, Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or send e-mail to adontaft@yahoo.com. Please include your name and address.

Adon Taft is a resident of Brooksville.

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