Something that surprises many people is that you actually are allowed to work while waiting for disability benefits. However, the amounts vary from year to year and can have all sorts of different impacts on a disability claim. The Social Security Administration has...
Helping People With Disabilities Nationwide
SSD – Social Security Disability
SGA increase in 2025
In 2025, the amount of money you can earn and still be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance is $1,620 a month before taxes. This means, in a minimum wage position in a city like Chicago, with a minimum wage of $16.20 an hour, you could work approximately...
Yes, Working for Cash Counts with Social Security Disability
One thing in Social Security disability law that can often be just as important as medical conditions, is your work history and whether you are working while seeking benefits. A common misconception among clients is that jobs only “count” if they receive an actual pay...
Can my Social Security disability income be taxed?
When you're grappling with a disability that prevents you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a lifeline. But as you navigate this new chapter of your life, you might find yourself wondering: "Do I have to pay taxes on these benefits?"...
The We Can’t Wait Act: A beacon of hope for SSD applicants
Most people who are applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) are in dire need of some financial relief due to their inability to earn an income. Unfortunately, the current system has a five-month waiting period before an applicant can start receiving benefits....
Social Security to Raise Fee Cap for Disability Claims
A very common question from disability claimants is how much an attorney will cost and how we’ll get paid. The good news is that almost all Social Security disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if and when you win. And those payments are...
Sleep Disorders
A restful night’s sleep is paramount to performing well in a competitive work environment. Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults to be fully rested and mentally alert upon waking. Fatigue or daytime drowsiness from poor sleep can lead to...
How does Social Security determine how much I get?
For Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits, the amount is based on your reported lifetime earnings as they were reported to the government. Basically, when you paid taxes on your earnings, you paid into the SSDI system, so your monthly benefit amount...
SSDI: How Much Will My Monthly Social Security Payment Be?
If you have been awarded Social Security Disability benefits, one of your main concerns will likely be how much your monthly payment will be. While it is important to note that the calculation of your monthly payment is quite complicated, this blog post will attempt...
How Does Working Affect a Disability Application?
Working after filing for Social Security disability is one of the most complicated, and yet common, issues in the field. I’ve had some clients who want to withdraw their application because they’re working part-time and they think they no longer qualify, and yet what...
Why Does it Take so Long to Get a Disability Decision?
As anyone who has dealt with Social Security can tell you, it’s not quick or easy process to get disability, and it’s only getting worse. Last year, it took on average of 228 days to get a determination on initial application, according to the Social Security...
What is the maximum payment?
This will depend on the type of benefits for which you are eligible. If you are eligible for Social Security Disability Income (“SSDI”) benefits, the maximum individual payment in 2024 is $3,822. If you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits,...
Why do Alcoholics and Addicts Get Benefits? This Isn’t Fair!
Congress and Social Security disability rules prohibit people from being given disability benefits if their ONLY conditions are alcoholism or drug addiction. Other underlying conditions, either mental or physical, must exist and be disabling for benefits to be...
Disability vs. Retirement vs. Early Retirement: What’s the Difference?
Social Security retirement is simply the social benefits you apply for once you have reached your retirement age (this is based on your birthdate and can range from 65-67). You can draw these benefits under your own social security number, or possibly your spouse’s....
What is the 12 month rule?
The social security administration has the requirement that all impairments must last at least 12 months, or be expected to, or result in the claimants death. What this means in practice, is that if someone has an accident and breaks their leg, the Social Security...
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