Is Returning to Work an Option for Massachusetts Social Security Disability Recipients?

While lawmakers and critics continue to complain about the amount of money paid out each year to Social Security disability recipients, these payments are crucial to the survival of many disabled Americans. The current outcry to send the disabled back to work assumes two things:

 

• They are able to work.
• They don't want to work.

 

Both assumptions are unfair and untrue. An Arkansas man, Christopher Howard, 36, has herniated discs in his back, knee problems and suffers from hepatitis C. He collects $574 each month from SSA disability. And Howard wants to work. "It makes me feel like I am doing something, instead of just being a bum, pretty much."

But Howard's disabilities and the poor job market have kept him out of the workforce. So, he must continue to try to survive on a small monthly check.

The SSA has provided some incentives to the disabled who want to work:

• For nine months after getting a job, beneficiaries can earn any amount without loss of benefits.
• For the next three years, if they earn less than $1000 per month, their benefits will continue. 
• For eight and a half years, they can keep their Medicare coverage.

 

Yet, even with these incentives, very few people are actually able to leave the disability program. Whatever your situation is, Keefe Disability Law stands ready and able to help you with any Social Security disability problems you may have. Please call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 to get your questions answered.