CAN I RECEIVE SSDI AND STILL RECEIVE MONEY FROM MY INVESTMENTS?

Navigating how different forms of income will impact your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be somewhat vexing. A Hawks Quindel, S.C. disability attorney can help you determine what types of income may hinder your ability to gain approval for Social Security Disability Benefits. Unlike the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not place a limit on the amount of income or assets you receive in order to qualify for the program. Instead, what is relevant for purposes of the SSDI program is your ability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity or "SGA." SGA is defined by the federal regulations as activity that (a) involves doing significant and productive physical or mental duties; and (b) is done (or intended) for pay or profit. There is a limit to the amount of profit you can derive from SGA before you are disqualified from the program. The SGA limit is currently $1,000 per month, a relatively modest amount. However, an important distinction lies between income derived from SGA and income derived without significant physical or mental exertion. For example, an individual may be able to generate income from a business they own but no longer actively participate in so long as she does not "contribute more than half of the total time required for management of the business, or render management services for more than 45 hours a month regardless of the total management time required by the business." Most forms of investing similarly are passive income which do not require engaging in SGA, and will not be counted by Social Security as SGA earnings. If you have questions about this topic or would like assistance with your Social Security Disability Appeal, please contact one of Hawks Quindel S.C.’s experienced disability attorneys for a free consultation.