It is possible to hold down steady employment in New Jersey while also receiving disability benefits. However, the Social Security Administration puts a cap on how much one can earn before losing out on things like Social Security Disability Insurance — SSDI. Anyone who earns over that limit is considered to have substantial gainful activity.
What is the income limit for benefits?
There are two different limits when it comes to substantial gainful activity — SGA — limits. The first sets the cap at earnings of $1,310 in a single month. The second applies to SSDI recipients who are blind, and limits monthly earnings to $2,190.
It is possible to reduce one’s SGA through something called impairment-related work expenses. Although circumstances vary, many people with disabilities who work also require specialized help or equipment to do so. Since these things often come with price tag, disabled workers can reduce their SGA by deducting their impairment-related work expenses. A few examples of impairment-related work expenses include:
- Specialized transportation
- Guide dogs
- Specialized equipment
The SSA closely ties together the idea of disability with how much one is able to earn. While this might not be the most accurate representation of disability, it is important to have a clear understanding of the SGA rules that might prevent one from securing necessary help like SSDI benefits. To avoid being rejected or possibly losing one’s benefits, it is often a good idea to work closely with someone who is experienced at dealing with Social Security in New Jersey.
