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Social Security Disability Benefits and Incentives to Work

There are all kinds of work incentives built into the disability program that allow you to try working while still collecting your disability checks.
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Social Security Disability Benefits and Incentives to Work
Working while on disability is permitted but after a point, it could get complicated. kamitana/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
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Q: I am 57 years old and getting Social Security disability benefits. I understand I can work and make $23,000 and still keep my disability checks. Is this true?

A: No, it’s not true. The dollar figure you cite applies to retirees who are under their full retirement age and working. They can work and earn up to $23,400 and still get all their retirement checks. So now let me explain some things to you about working while on Social Security disability.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]