How to Collect Social Security Disability & Earned Income

If you're American citizen or qualified immigrant who's been paying into the social security system, you might be eligible to receive disability benefits for a serious medical condition that's expected to last a year or more, or that might result in death. Life on disability is anything but glamorous, but it is possible to supplement your income by earning through part-time work.

Instructions

• 1

  Check qualifications for disability. U.S. citizens can get disability payments if their ability to earn money through work has been impaired below the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold, which in 2008 was $940 per month, and they have a qualifying impairment, such as high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, heart failure or certain mental conditions. The amount you will receive is based on how much you've paid into the social security system, with the minimum requirement that you've been employed for five of the last 10 years.

• 2

  Apply for disability. Your application can be submitted online (see Resources). The information you'll need to get started is your social security number; social security statement; date of birth; routing number of your financial institution and account number for direct deposits; your gross income from the previous year and expected income for the current year; documentation about your medical condition from health care providers and their contact information; names and addresses of all employers over the last two years; and dates of any U.S. military service.

• 3

  Earn some income. Despite stereotypical images, those on disability are encouraged to work. In fact, the federal government has several programs to help disabled workers, especially military veterans, find work. Private organizations such as Hire Deaf, Community Options and the National Organization on Disability also help disabled persons find part-time work.

• 4

  Stay below the threshold. As long as a part-time worker earns less that the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold, he can continue to receive disability payments in addition to his earned income. This is assessed by the IRS when you file tax returns, so a few months over the threshold will probably not disqualify you, but a high annual income probably would. It's a good idea to be aware of the threshold, as it changes from year to year, and to keep careful records of all your income.