Getting your Social Security benefits can be a long process, especially if you do not seek experienced legal help. Once you have the benefits, staying compliant with rules can also be difficult. People who have applied for disability or who are already on it may attempt to return to work. Sometimes, this leads to a Social Security Disability Unsuccessful Work Attempt. If you are involved in the Social Security Disability(SSD) process, you need to understand what happens when you return to work but are unable to continue.
Substantial Gainful Activity
SGA is a measurement of your ability to work. You may be eligible for benefits if you are unable to earn the monetary amount that is set by the SSA. In 2018, the monthly amount was $1180 for non-blind disabled people. If you are blind, the amount is higher, $1970 in 2018. If you cannot earn that amount due to your disability and/or the removal of accommodations made for it, the government may agree that you’ve made an unsuccessful work attempt. Many disabled people may be able to make some money each month but not enough to meet basic living needs. In those cases, they should not lose their benefits.
Unsuccessful Work Attempt Examples
You may have a medical condition that requires you to limit your activity. In the beginning of your work attempt, management may make accommodations for your condition but later remove them, leaving you unable to complete your duties. Also, you may attempt to return to work and have your job description change, with management adding new duties that you are unable to perform. You might also see your medical condition worsen, which could make it impossible for you to continue or to meet your SGA.
Unsuccessful Work Attempt Ramifications
An unsuccessful work attempt applies to any period of six months or less where you are unable to successfully complete your duties due to your disability. Again, you can make this attempt during your initial application process or while you are already receiving benefits.
An unsuccessful work attempt does not negatively affect your claim and may actually be used as proof that you need disability benefits. Fear of losing disability benefits should not keep you from trying to return to work. In fact, once the government awards you these benefits, you can take advantage of a trial work period. Your earnings may trigger such a trial, but you will not lose your disability designation until you successfully perform services for nine months in a 60-month rolling period.
Good Law Group
When dealing with the SSA concerning disability benefits, you need the help of an experienced attorney. The Good Law Group has decades of experience in SSD claims and can help you understand issues such as SGA and unsuccessful work attempts. They understand the SSA’s regulations and expectations for those who are applying for or who are already receiving disability benefits. They can help you with your initial claim and with any necessary appeals. They can also advise you on how to stay compliant with the SSA’s rules and regulations. An experienced legal team will improve your odds of getting the disability benefits that you need and keeping them if you remain disabled.
The Good Law Group understands how SSA officials think and operate. Do not try and navigate the disability benefits process alone. Let them help you with your claim. Contact us online or call #(847) 577-4476.
