After multiple disk herniation,I quickly agreed to allow a surgeon to 'fix me'. Now I have a non-union of fusion, pinched nerves,severe pain in neck,shoulder & spine/down 1 arm. Then had a spinal tap which injured me despite a blood patch. Found out later that my surgeon was just released from prison for attempted murder of his wife & faking his own suicide & fleeing the area to hide(I should have researched his name BEFORE surgery). I went from loving my job & making good $ to living in pain,depression & poverty, overnight. I NEED to fix my life. It's been 15 years of struggle to pay bills,rent & eat regularly. I need to earn enough $ so I can eat, the last 2 weeks of the month. I'm down to 85lbs and need to fix my life and get my confidence back. I have searched high & low, to find ways to earn money without losing my small benefits. I worked as a bar manager/bartender at a nightclub for 20 years previously. I was busy,happy,healthy & had lots of friends. I want my life back but can't change kegs,stand on my feet for 12 hour shifts,etc. I will NOT beg for $ online, go to soup kitchens/food banks. I've been in this rut for far too long. Rents & bills take about 75% of my check. I want my life back but know it's impossible. I live in a very rural area so can't just find a PT job 'under the table'. I have trouble just getting to the store. Even $200 a month, would improve my life greatly by allowing me to eat right for the entire month and buy small gifts for my loved ones on their special days. I really need advice as I'm a proud person. I did make an app with vocational rehab thru SS & the man barked at me, "Why are you here!?You are 100% unrehabilitatable". I wanted to die of shame. I hoped to further my education, be able to go back on the workforce and be a real person again. I've tried everything. I need sound advice but don't know where to turn. Not sure anyone here can offer me advice but I'm hopeful that it's possible. I just can't give up. I'm only 52 years old. Not sure which category, this fits in. Thanks for reading!
Answers (1)
Social Security Disability (SSDI) provides vital support for individuals unable to work due to severe neck or spinal injuries. However, the fixed income from SSDI often falls short of covering essential expenses, leading many recipients to seek ways to earn extra money without jeopardizing their benefits.
The good news is that SSDI includes provisions to encourage work. Through the Ticket to Work program, recipients can test their ability to work without losing benefits. You’re allowed to earn up to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits, which in 2024 is $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals).
Additionally, SSDI offers a Trial Work Period (TWP), allowing beneficiaries to work for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period, earning any amount while still receiving full benefits. After the TWP, there’s a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) where benefits are only suspended in months when earnings exceed the SGA limit.
Freelancing, part-time jobs, or starting a small business are flexible ways to increase income while adhering to these rules. Keep meticulous records of earnings and consult with a benefits counselor to navigate this complex system. With careful planning, you can supplement your income while safeguarding the critical support SSDI(954-618-1776 ) provides.