Working Part Time on Disability in North Carolina

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients in North Carolina wonder whether they can work part-time while receiving benefits. The answer is yes, but understanding the rules and limitations is crucial to avoid jeopardizing your monthly payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established specific guidelines regarding work activity for disability beneficiaries, and navigating these rules requires careful attention to detail.

SSDI benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. However, the SSA recognizes that some beneficiaries may want to test their ability to work or supplement their income through limited employment. This possibility exists through various work incentive programs designed to encourage disabled individuals to return to the workforce when possible.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity

The cornerstone concept governing work while on SSDI is substantial gainful activity. For 2024, the SSA defines SGA as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals. These figures are adjusted annually for inflation. If your earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA generally considers you engaged in substantial gainful activity, which can result in termination of your benefits.

However, the SSA does not simply look at gross earnings. When evaluating whether your work constitutes SGA, they consider several factors:

• Your actual earnings after deducting impairment-related work expenses
• Subsidies or special assistance you receive from your employer
• The nature and quality of your work performance
• Whether you require accommodations or modifications to perform your job
• The number of hours you work compared to unimpaired workers in similar positions

In North Carolina, as in all states, these federal guidelines apply uniformly. Local SSA field offices in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Asheville evaluate work activity using these same standards.

The Trial Work Period

One of the most valuable work incentives available to SSDI recipients is the Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without losing your benefits, regardless of how much you earn during those months. The trial work period provides a safety net for beneficiaries who want to explore employment opportunities without immediately risking their disability income.

The nine months need not be consecutive. Any month in which you earn more than $1,110 (for 2024) or work more than 80 self-employed hours counts as a trial work month. Once you accumulate nine trial work months within a rolling 60-month period, your trial work period ends.

During your trial work period, you continue receiving full SSDI benefits regardless of your earnings level. This provision allows North Carolina residents to accept part-time employment, seasonal work, or flexible arrangements without immediately affecting their benefit status. After the trial work period concludes, the SSA evaluates whether your work activity constitutes substantial gainful activity.

The Extended Period of Eligibility

Following your trial work period, you enter what the SSA calls the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 consecutive months. During this time, you receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA level and do not receive benefits for months when your earnings exceed SGA.

This period provides additional protection for SSDI recipients attempting to return to work. If your medical condition worsens or your work attempt fails during the EPE, you can resume receiving benefits without filing a new application, as long as your earnings drop below the SGA threshold. This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals with conditions that fluctuate in severity or those working in industries with variable income.

North Carolina beneficiaries should maintain detailed records of their earnings, work hours, and any work-related expenses during both the trial work period and the extended period of eligibility. This documentation becomes critical if questions arise about your work activity and benefit eligibility.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses

The SSA allows you to deduct certain impairment-related work expenses (IRWE) from your gross earnings when determining whether you have engaged in substantial gainful activity. These expenses must be directly related to your disability and necessary for you to work.

Examples of deductible impairment-related work expenses include:

• Medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or prosthetics needed for work
• Medications required to control your condition while working
• Transportation costs for medical treatments related to your impairment
• Attendant care services needed to prepare for or perform work duties
• Specialized equipment or modifications to your workspace
• Service animal expenses directly related to working

These deductions can significantly impact SGA calculations. For instance, if you earn $1,800 monthly but have $300 in legitimate impairment-related work expenses, your countable earnings for SGA purposes would be $1,500, keeping you below the 2024 threshold.

Reporting Requirements and Practical Considerations

When you begin working while receiving SSDI benefits in North Carolina, you must promptly report this activity to the Social Security Administration. Failure to report work activity can result in overpayments that you will be required to repay, potentially creating significant financial hardship.

You can report work activity through several methods:

• Calling the SSA's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213
• Visiting your local North Carolina Social Security office in person
• Reporting online through your my Social Security account
• Submitting written notice with pay stubs and employment details

When accepting part-time employment, consider discussing your disability status with potential employers. While you are not required to disclose your condition, doing so may help you negotiate reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. North Carolina employers with 15 or more employees must comply with ADA requirements.

Additionally, consult with a disability attorney or benefits counselor before accepting employment. These professionals can help you understand how specific job offers might affect your benefits and assist with documentation requirements. North Carolina has several Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs that provide free benefits counseling to SSDI recipients considering employment.

Remember that your medical condition remains the primary factor in continued SSDI eligibility. Even if you work part-time within SGA guidelines, the SSA may periodically review your case to determine whether your condition has medically improved. Maintaining regular treatment with your healthcare providers and following prescribed treatment plans remains essential to protecting your benefits.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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