Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida?

If you’re receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in Florida, you might be wondering if it’s possible to return to work while still keeping your benefits. The good news is that you can work and still receive benefits, but there are specific rules and limits you must follow to avoid losing your SSDI or SSI benefits.  

These rules include a Trial Work Period (TWP) for SSDI recipients, which allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months while still receiving full benefits, regardless of how much you earn. Additionally, there are income limits and work incentives in place for both SSDI and SSI recipients, such as the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) for SSDI and income exclusions for SSI, which are designed to encourage beneficiaries to attempt returning to work without immediately jeopardizing their benefits. 

Social Security Disability Benefits and Work in Florida            

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, including SSDI and SSI, are available to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides these benefits to ensure that people in Florida and across the nation can maintain a basic standard of living when they’re unable to engage in full-time employment. 

While these benefits are designed for individuals who can’t work, there are opportunities to return to work without immediately losing your benefits. Whether you live in Florida or another state, the key is understanding how the SSA’s rules for working while on disability apply in your specific case.

Can You Work While Receiving SSDI or SSI Benefits in Florida?           

As mentioned earlier, the answer is yes, but you must follow specific rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The main factor determining whether you can continue working while receiving benefits is whether your earnings exceed certain limits. Let’s break down the key points: 

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits 

If you’re receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA places a limit on how much you can earn without losing your benefits, known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In Florida, like the rest of the U.S., the SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2024 is $1,550 per month. For blind individuals, the SGA limit is $2,590 per month. If your earnings exceed these thresholds, your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped entirely. 

Trial Work Period (TWP) in Florida 

For SSDI recipients, the Trial Work Period (TWP) offers a valuable opportunity to test your ability to work while maintaining your benefits. In Florida, as with other states, you are allowed to earn above the SGA limit for at least nine months within a rolling 60-month period. During the TWP, you can earn any amount without losing your SSDI benefits. Any month where you earn over $1,110 (in 2024) counts as one of your nine TWP months. After nine months, if you continue working and earning above the SGA limit, your SSDI eligibility may be reevaluated. 

SSI Work Rules in Florida 

For those receiving SSI benefits, the rules are slightly different. SSI is need-based, so any income you earn can affect your eligibility. In Florida, as in the rest of the U.S., the federal SSI payment amount for an individual in 2024 is $943 per month. However, SSI has specific income exclusions: 

• The first $20 of general income is excluded. 

• The first $65 of earned income is excluded, and then only half of the remaining earned income is counted. 

Depending on your work and living situation, the SSA may still allow you to receive reduced SSI benefits even if your earnings exceed the federal payment amount. 

Considerations for Working While on Disability in Florida           

Reporting Your Earnings to the SSA   

No matter where you live, including Florida, it’s critical to report all your earnings to the SSA. This includes income from full-time, part-time, or freelance work. If you fail to report income, you could face an overpayment situation, where the SSA mistakenly pays you more benefits than you’re entitled to. Accurate and timely reporting ensures that your benefits remain intact and you avoid any financial issues down the line. 

How Working Affects Your Benefits  

In Florida, as elsewhere, working while on disability will likely reduce or eliminate your benefits depending on your earnings. However, the SSA allows some exclusions from income calculation: 

• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): The SSA excludes certain expenses related to your disability, like medical equipment or therapy, from your total earnings when calculating your benefits. 

•  Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): If you’re pursuing a specific goal, such as returning to full-time work or starting a business, you can set aside certain income for work-related expenses without affecting your benefits. 

Trial Work Period: A Key Opportunity for Florida Residents            

The Trial Work Period (TWP) is especially important for Florida residents receiving SSDI benefits. Here’s what you need to know: 

Eligibility for the TWP:   

In Florida, as in other states, to qualify for the Trial Work Period, you must be receiving SSDI and have been medically determined to be disabled by the SSA. You can earn more than the SGA limit during the TWP without losing your benefits. This period lasts for nine months within a five-year rolling window. After completing the nine months, your eligibility will be reassessed, and you may continue receiving SSDI benefits or face changes to your benefits based on your ongoing income. 

How TWP Works in Florida:   

During the Trial Work Period, you are allowed to earn as much as you want without risking your benefits. It’s a chance for you to test whether you can return to work full-time or part-time without the immediate fear of losing your SSDI benefits. Once the TWP ends, the SSA will re-evaluate your ability to work and determine whether you can still receive benefits. 

Legal Considerations and Restrictions in Florida  

The laws governing SSDI and SSI benefits, such as the Social Security Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are federal laws that apply nationwide, including Florida. These laws are designed to protect individuals with disabilities and ensure that they aren’t discriminated against in the workplace. 

However, Florida residents must follow the deadlines and reporting requirements set by the SSA. Missing a deadline or failing to report earnings accurately can lead to a suspension or reduction in benefits. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about understanding how these laws and rules apply to your specific situation.  

Don’t Let Work Disrupt Your Benefits: Contact Our Experienced Pensacola, FL SSD Attorneys Today 

If you have questions about working while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits in Florida, don’t navigate the complexities alone. Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer, has years of experience helping individuals in the Florida Panhandle understand how their employment can affect their disability benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation and case assessment.