If you’re considering hiring an attorney and filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may have some concerns about how the process will affect your ability to work. The bottom line is, you can still work. But to protect your benefits, there’s some crucial information you need to know. 

The Trial Period

Before you’re given the go-ahead to start working, you’ll need to undergo two different trial periods: the trial period and the extended period of eligibility. The first portion is only viable if you earn more than $880 a month and is meant to give you time to see how things play out financially while you go back to work and continue to receive benefits. This goes on for nine months. During this time, there is no limit to how much income you can generate without losing your benefits. 

The Extended Period of Eligibility

After the nine months are up, you enter the second period of the test phase. This lasts three years. Unlike the trial period, there is a cap on how much income you can receive before the benefits are affected. If you’re blind, that cap is $2,040 a month; for non-blind individuals, the cap is $1,220.

Understanding how this maximum affects your income is crucial. If, at any point during the 36 months, you earn above your cap, your benefits for that month won’t be given out. The SSA will also take that as a sign that you are no longer disabled. You’ll get two months’ worth of benefits to help you transition, but after that, you will no longer receive SSDI compensation. When this occurs, there’s still help available if your disability prohibits you from maintaining an income in the future. With the help of an attorney, you can always refile and start the entire process over again. 

If you’re ready to hire an attorney and start the filing process, talk to Mark D. Knight Attorney at Law. Located in Somerset, KY, and serving all of Pulaski County, this lawyer offers more than 30 years of hands-on experience handling everything from personal injury to corporate law cases. Visit his website or call (606) 679-7411 to schedule an initial consultation today.