Working on Disability in Michigan: From Slacker to Cash Wacker (Maybe)
So, you're on disability in Michigan and that paycheck is keeping the ramen afloat. But that entrepreneurial spirit inside you is itching to, well, itch. You've got an Etsy shop brimming with hand-knitted unicorn hats (hey, there's a market for everything!), or maybe you're a coding whiz with a side hustle app brewing. But before you go all Elon Musk on us, there's a tiny hurdle: how many hours can you actually work while keeping your disability benefits?
Fear not, fellow Michiganders with mad skills! Here's the down-low on what Uncle Sam says about your hustle while on disability:
The Great Work Number Mystery: Not Hours, But Earnings!
Forget that pesky hourly grind. In the world of disability benefits, it's all about the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. This fancy term basically means how much you can earn in a month without jeopardizing your benefits. In 2024, that magic number sits at $1,550 for most folks, and a whopping $2,590 if you're legally blind.
But Wait, There's More! (Because There Always Is)
Now, things get a tad more interesting depending on how long you've been getting those sweet disability checks. Buckle up for some acronym fun:
Trial Work Period (TWP): This is your get-out-of-jail-free card for nine months. You can work as much as you want during this period and still get your full benefits. It's a chance to test the waters and see if your side hustle can become your main squeeze.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): Even after your TWP ends, you've got a three-year grace period called the EPE. During this time, you can still get benefits for any month your earnings dip below the SGA limit. So, if your unicorn hat sales go bust one month, no worries!
Alright, Alright, I Get It. Now Gimme the FAQs!
We hear you! Here's a rapid-fire Q&A to quench your disability-and-work thirst:
How to report my earnings to the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
- Answer: Easy peasy! Just call them at 1-800-772-1213 or head to their website: https://www.ssa.gov/
How to know if my specific disability affects how much I can work?
- Answer: The type of disability can play a role. Talk to your doctor or the SSA for specifics.
How to find out if I qualify for the TWP or EPE?
- Answer: The SSA will send you info about these programs when you start receiving benefits.
How to deal with all this paperwork without a meltdown?
- Answer: We feel you. Take a deep breath and reach out to a disability advocate or social worker for guidance. There are resources available!
How to celebrate my newfound work freedom with a giant slice of pie?
- Answer: Now you're talking! But maybe hold off until after you report your earnings...
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