subject: Go Back To Work And Keep Your Benefits Under Ssi In Illinois [print this page] It can be hard to sit back and stop working when you begin receiving SSI in Illinois, especially if your disability doesn"t require that you be completely inactive. Working can give a sense of accomplishment, stave off depression, and of course, supply you with sometimes much needed extra cash.
Do You Qualify to Receive SSD in Chicago?
First, you must know if you qualify for SSI in Illinois, or SSD. These two types of disability benefits are available to different groups. SSD, also known as social security disability, is for people who have worked a certain period of time and also have paid into the social security system. SSI is for the elderly or disabled, and who also have little income or assets and meet other certain requirements.
Applying for SSD in Chicago
It is a good idea to hire a social security attorney to guide you through the process of applying for SSI in Illinois or SSD in Chicago. While it may seem like a few forms and a little bit of paperwork is all it takes to get your claim approved, the system is more complex than that. Getting your claim approved could takes upwards of a year, including appeals. The majority of claims submitted for social security benefits do not get accepted the first time through. This is all the more reason to have an attorney help you with your claim for SSI in Illinois.
Earning Income While Receiving SSD in Chicago
The point of SSD benefits are that they are available to people who cannot support themselves, so you may be concerned once you start receiving SSD in Chicago that you cannot work at all or risk your benefits. This is not true. There are incentives programs available if you receive SSI in Illinois and other states to get people back to work while still allowing them to keep their SSD and SSI.
The Threshold for SSD Income
The first period of work while receiving SSD in Chicago is called the Trial Work Period (TWP). This period continues for 9 months, consecutive or non-consecutive, within a 36-month time period. You can continue to receive your full benefits for up to 36 months as long as you comply with the program"s requirements. A trial work period month is any month where your outside earnings are more than $720. After that, you may work for 36 months and receive your benefits under SSI in Illinois as long as your earnings are not substantial.
Reporting is essential for your participation in this program. This is another area where an experienced social security attorney can be vital. Your attorney will help you determine how you can work within the program, and how to comply with all the requirements so that you don"t temporarily or even permanently affect your ability to receive benefits.
You don"t have to kiss your work life goodbye just because of your disability benefits. With the help of a reliable social security attorney, you can keep your benefits and return to work part-time.
