working while on dissability? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

working while on dissability?

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

sissys wrote:
Howdy, I seem to be a little confused. It was my understanding that if a person was on permanent dissability, that working at all was not allowed. But I have seen some that are doing this. So, are they (you) getting paid under the table, or is there some other "loop hole" they have mastered. Just curious, thanks and have a great day!!

You can work while on disability. There are certain levels of earnings. Over a certain levels of earnings the amount of disability received is reduced.

Here is a link to the SS site: https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3177/Can-I-work-and-apply-for-Social-Security-disability-benefits

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have a friend who was put on permanent disability by the company he worked for. He was restricted from working at a job that required physical activity however he can work at a job like a computer programmer, court reporter, telemarketer and still receive disability payments from his original employer.

He was a policeman and has a job related problem with his neck where physical activity (blow to his head/neck) may cause him to become paralyzed.

-- Edited by The Bear II on Monday 24th of February 2014 10:10:51 AM

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

If capable of some other light duty work then all income should be reported and offset the disability benefits. No way should a person get FULL benefits and pull in more income from some form of a job.

Nice to have your cake and eat it too...............As some say.

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

If anyone is really interested in the truth about working and disability, they can go here: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf

As for me, I will gladly forfeit my disability check for legs that do more than marginally work, and have the ability to stand upright for more than 60 seconds. And the elimination of the stroke that took so much mentally. I will gladly trade all that for good health and would gladly return to work. Even 100% healthy how many jobs are available for a 61 year old?

Disability is NOT a hand out:

Disability payments are NOT "assistance.” It is insurance. While working, you contributed 50%, through a deduction from your paycheck to the fund. Your employer contributed the other 50%. If you own the business, in essence, you, combined with the company you own, are contributing 100%. If you become disabled and are approved through the S.S. Administration, your payment is calculated by how much money you put in over the years.

If I had that money over the years and invested it, I would have ten times the amount of money available.

Disability is not free ride, or entitlement program. Those that get it, earned it.

With some scammers excluded of course.

So please, give at least some us, a break when it comes to disability.

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 24th of February 2014 08:17:01 PM

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dog Folks wrote:

Disability is not free ride, or entitlement program. Those that get it, earned it.

With some scammers excluded of course.

So please, give at least some us, a break when it comes to disability.

Yes that's the magic words.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Dog Folks for Posting the SSD Publication!!!! Oh; How I wish I could do the work and things I use to do. I dislike having to ask for physical help from others I don't or hardly know! When I go for moderate paced walks and have to stop and get my breath back after 30-35 yards or try and move or lift anything over 20 pounds and my blood pressure goes up and makes me dizzy!! I know! I know' I'm just a dizzy guy!!! LOl!! The mental anguish; fear; anger; and depression one goes through is more horrible than the physical limitations. At least it was for me.

I remember what my Mom use to say: "Son; before you condemn someone try walking in their shoes for a little while." I know how it feels having slipped up a couple of times on that one!!!

It is very difficult for anyone who loses their job from 50 on up to just locate a minimum wage job. I was rifted from my employment in 2009 and the only option was minimum wages and pay rent and utilities or going on the road with seasonal work camping jobs. Had an RV and I would work only for employers who paid at least $800.00 a month plus site/table and full hookups and free utilities and some free perks. I did this until the Summer of 2012 when I had to quit due to the Heart Attack which killed 30+% of my lower heart muscle. It took until July 2013 to get approved for SSD and recieved my first check the third week of September. I ate a lot of rice and beans and borrowed to pay rent and utilities which I have paid back. This is my story and I told it as truthful as I could and have no intention to cause any hard feelings. Let me apologize upfront if I offended anyone!!! PIEERE

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howdy again!! to those who replied, thank you. As my husband and I are both on dissability at (64 and 49) we too would give our eye teeth to be fit enough to continue our working years, has been a very difficult journey acceping this in our life, but together, we do keep a stiff upper lip, and "Dream Big" will never give up on the hope we can one day soon, join the rest of you on the road.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but it breaks my heart (and angers me) to see and hear of so many supposed permanet disability indaviduals still managing to work and reap the benifits.
Again, I appreciate the feed back, and hope your days can find a smile or two!! Michele

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

As a cautionary note from a moderator, let's not let this thread get judgmental and critical of others. Otherwise, I'll have to delete it and it could serve have some benefit for others. I've already deleted a little bit and edited some other comments and don't wish to have to do any more.

As for the disability, I guess the options depends on what the source of the disability is.

Terry

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pieere: "The mental anguish; fear; anger; and depression one goes through is more horrible than the physical limitations. At least it was for me."

That is an important and often unsaid effect of disability.

It is a real ego buster when you have to sit and wait for your wife to return to the camper so she can put your socks on for you. Or making sure you are all dressed, including shoes, before she leaves, because you can't complete parts of the dressing process.

I thank God everyday for her. When I had my quad heart bypass, she was such a strong advocate for me and my care in the hospital, the nurses started calling her "tiger lady."

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Tuesday 25th of February 2014 07:16:15 AM

manycats · RV-Dreams Family Member

Big difference between true disability and fake. As an attorney for insurance companies I saw several instances of claimants that, after receiving $$, suddenly had a "miracle cure" and could do everything they wanted to do.

True disability is heartbreaking. We cannot begrudge the wish to continue being useful and to work in some way, both to be productive and retain self-esteem, and, in many instances, just to be able to survive. Disability payments do not keep up with cost of living, those people may have to make up the difference somehow.

I know many of us (myself included) feel there's just too much abuse of the system by people who lie and cheat. There are also many who should be receiving assistance and can't get any. Pieerre said it right - walk in their shoes, the facts may justify the reason why they do both.

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi pierre, Your journey certainly hits home, as we have gone thru the stuggle,anguish, anxiety, etc. Sure is a hard pill to swallow. Had a dream long befor we couldn't work, so with the piddle amount we recive now, makes it even harder to achive the goal, but we're just stubburn enough not to give up!! I wish you happy times.. michele

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, I in no way meant for this to offend, nor push any buttons.. I have noticed on "other" forums, that some we're saying they still worked, and as a person on permanet disability wondered how that could be? Again, I take no offense if you need to delete this thread, I absolutley love RV Dreams, and hope to get the chance to meet some of you one day, thanks..

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Michele,

What is here is good to go now. This is a valuable thread in that we have been reading of the different ways in which a disability affects someone. I wonder how many people that are on disability may find part time work or work that is less strenuous, just so they can keep their self esteem. Towards that end, they may not mention their limited working so that folks don't feel a need to have pity on them.

The only reason I commented as I did was to avoid others becoming judgmental and critical. Many times, we find out after we have made a "crass" statement that we misunderstood the circumstances of other people and then wish we had never said what we did. I've certainly done that a few times.

Terry

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Terry, I think maybe I wasn't real clear with my question. It was made clear to us that while recieving permanent dissability that you we're never allowed to work, even at the simplist of tasks, and if you did so, that your benifits would be cut off for good, so just made me woner why /how people we're able to do so. And yes those of us on dissability certainly don't want pity, just a chance to blend in with other folk, and live "the dream"..

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

In case you missed it the first time I posted it, here is the answer to your question with regards to Social Security:

faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3177/Can-I-work-and-apply-for-Social-Security-disability-benefits

For even more information go here: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf

Private insurers may have different rules.

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi "dog folk".. Yes, I am aware of the link thank you. My whole intent was not of a personal one, but on a legal stance, have seen way too many that are taking advantage of the system, my heart sank when we we're told no more working, period.. But we will get thru it together, anyway, thanks for the info, i hope it will help those that don't know the facts....

W

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

sissys wrote:
Hi "dog folk".. Yes, I am aware of the link thank you. My whole intent was not of a personal one, but on a legal stance, have seen way too many that are taking advantage of the system, my heart sank when we we're told no more working, period.. But we will get thru it together, anyway, thanks for the info, i hope it will help those that don't know the facts....
W

Do you have a private disability insurance?

Who told you "no more work?"

That goes against all the rules Social Security had established.

Social Security certainly allows working, in fact, they encourage it.

That was why I posted the link to SS.

I'm confused, but then again that does not take much. confuse LOL

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Wednesday 26th of February 2014 05:17:47 PM

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi again, we are on social security/disability, and it was them from the beginning that deemed us unfit to continue working, and that if we ever tried for any lenth of time, that benifits would cease. I realize social security wants people to work, but some of us will never get better, thefore "permanent".. I do personally know of some that have recive some disability , and contivue to work at minamal tasks, but they are not permanent, and will be able to eventually contiue with their working years.

anyway, don't want to confuse anyone, It's too hard i guess to write out exact thoughts. Perhaps next time I start a thread, I'll make sure there is no gray area. Enjoy your week!!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

sissys wrote:
Hi again, we are on social security/disability, and it was them from the beginning that deemed us unfit to continue working, and that if we ever tried for any lenth of time, that benifits would cease. I realize social security wants people to work, but some of us will never get better, thefore "permanent".. I do personally know of some that have recive some disability , and contivue to work at minamal tasks, but they are not permanent, and will be able to eventually contiue with their working years.
anyway, don't want to confuse anyone, It's too hard i guess to write out exact thoughts. Perhaps next time I start a thread, I'll make sure there is no gray area. Enjoy your week!!

No --gray areas are sometimes good. Look how it brought out all the different angles of disability here. You started a very good discussion.

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggrin thanks!!

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

It will depend on the type of disability you are on as to whether you can work at all.....

SSD/I.... allows you to make a little money working , but you must follow SS Guidelines
SSI/D....Does not allow you to work , of course you cant own an RV either or much else either.

that being said , yes there are those that make money doing something on the side.....I like most people have a problem with those doing demanding physical labor and collecting , But on the same thought there are those that receive disability and deserve it but only receive 750 a month.....they really dont have a choice but to figure out a way to make a few extra.

to those that feel they have seen it..........Disabilities and Handicapped are not always visible and for those of us with invisible illnesses it can be more challenging because to your eye we look healthy.......but what you dont see can be more painful or debilitating than your worse car wreck.

P.S.....I refuse to be classified as disabled or Handicapped , those are legal and medical terminology and people tend to look at me differently.............I am Challenged and I put up a good fight to overcome it and master it , of course you would be lying if you told me you were not challenged in some way!!!!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well said Lucky Mike.

I did not even know there was two different types of SS disability. Thus the confusion.

And welcome back.

Talensnana · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike I am so glad you are back. Like you, my challenge or disabilities for the most part are not visible to those around me unless it is a very bad day. When people judge or make comments on those bad days because I use my handicap sticker or a cart at walmart, it reassures me there are a lot of people more challenged than I am. I am glad mine is just physical, not because I am an idiot who judges other people.

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Mike, big welcome back, as you can see so many of us missed you greatly!! All too aware of the different dissabilities people have, like mine, most of the time just at first glance you wouldn't know how bad I am, the internal issues are very painfull. My comment about seeing people do "hard labor" and collect is what I have a problem with too.

Trying to make it on the piddly amount we recive is very difficult , so koodos to those who can suppliment their income in some way. As for even owning an RV, I belive those on state help may have a problem with that, we're thankfull we're not on that side, and can continue the fight,dream to obtain one, took us 6 years to get our truck, so certainlyy hope won't take that long for the T.T. anyway, your imput is worth alot to many, you certainly have been thru your share of trials, I hope each day gets brighter for you.. Michele

spadiva · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the info - the thread was helpful, my husbands cancer diagnosis qualified him for disability because of the eventual projected outcome, but to look at him right now you would think he was able to work, so you never can tell - we still had to wait the 6 months with no income and the amount he gets is not that great, but it will help us cover the bills for this new lifestyle we are embarking on if the medical bills don't bankrupt us first :)

tigercx1 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am all for people getting disability that have the physical ailments that merit receiving it. People that get it because they are supposedly depressed or have a drinking problem is ridiculous. 60 minutes had an episode on the fraud of disability and it was an eye opener.

Mark

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I see it all the time......and they cracked down on it finally ....but as long as they leave the door open it will be abused at all levels.

The sad part is now people who really deserve disability have to wait up to 3 years to go thru the system to get it....

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 26th of June 2014 05:55:26 PM

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
I see it all the time......and they cracked down on it finally ....but as long as they leave the door open it will be abused at all levels.
The sad part is now people who really deserve disability have to wait up to 3 years to go thru the system to get it....

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 26th of June 2014 05:55:26 PM

Well said. How can people afford to wait that long?

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is a hardship of waiting. It took my husband over 3 years, and that's with an attorney. When it got to court even the judge was livid that his case wasn't approved right from the start. We are so thankful that my mom was able to help.

When we did get back pay, it all went to the Dr. bills that had piled up. It's heartbreaking to know so may suffer.

Anyone going thru this now, You have my sympathy.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hard call.. You work all your life and pay into the "insurance" of disability.. and when something goes wrong. they should pay.

While i agree there are scams in all levels.. disability, welfare, social security etc.. I do think mental disabilities such as depression or anxiety are real problems. And real disabilities. I toss around the drinking and drugs, while it seems like a person would have choice in the matter.. it seems many do not , and have little or no control..

There are way too many people claiming than there are real issues..

I think it's important to note.. That I believe ? there are 2 different disabilities payments.. one you can make all kinds of money , through ownerships, investments etc.. if you have worked a number of years prior, and paid the premiums... And then there is like welfare disability, where only a small amount of income is allowed..

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

simple answer.....not all disabilities are visible....

I learned one thing.....walk a mile in my shoes, for I can only walk 50 yards so there like new......but at the end of the mile the pain you feel from the new shoes will be minor as to what its like for me just to put them on.........

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
simple answer.....not all disabilities are visible....

Well said Mike.

on edit... walking in your shoes would be tough for me... they are awfully big, they'd be hard to fill. smile

Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 08:25:36 PM

sunnyslife · RV-Dreams Community Member

I am a newbie here but, I would like to chime in, and I hope no one minds.

I am 52 yrs old - at age 34 I was put on disability due to several medical factors, combined with the PTSD. At age 39, I was able to return to school, pass the state boards, and get my real estate license......because I was a widow with two minor children, I was able to keep my benefits but, they would be adjusted each month based on my commissions from the prior month. In 2001, I chose to get remarried and give up my disability benefits as we had sufficient income.

Moving ahead five years, I had a terrible accident at home that left me unable to walk or climb steps for over a year - you can't sell houses if you can't walk to show them - I left my license expire because no one knew if I would ever be able to go back to selling. I managed to find a phone/computer job that I could do from home at my own desk - I was able to take breaks, prop my legs up if needed, lay down when needed.

Eventually, I was back on my feet, albeit, I will never be able to walk any distance and have days when it is hard to even stand long enough to cook dinner but, I opened my own inspection company, doing mortgage field service inspections, which allowed me to work "at my own pace" and I was able to keep working a few more years. When I could no longer keep up with the demands, I chose to sell AVON (love the company).

Moving ahead again to the present, I have recently quit selling AVON because of my stress level, which was determined by the specialists to be caused by all the pain and the depression caused by the pain, and the insistence of my doctor. I am currently in the process of gathering the documents I need to apply for disability, yet again.

I can't remember who said it in this thread about not all disabilities being visible but, I can assure you, they are right - many people see me and think there is nothing wrong with me - I have even had issues with my own family not believing me but, I swear, I live in pain 24/7.

I do know, from experience, that I will be allowed to make a certain income and that my benefits will be adjusted based on that income amount so, since I am not the type of person that wants to just sit all day, I will find something that I can do once we go full-time to help provide the income we need to survive. I can only hope that because I do, I don't get labeled as a "scammer".

Now, all that being said, if you run across us in a camp ground some where, stop over, the coffee will be hot and I love conversing with new people!

Be safe on those roads and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

nessa9566 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry but I take offense to the statement about people being on disability that are "depressed". My husband is bi-polar and it is very difficult to manage his meds and he does suffer from severe depression at times. Depression can be debilitating. As for alcohol abuse, most people that are bi-polar tend to self medicate to feel better. It is a symptom of their disease not the cause of it. My husband was one that self medicated but does not anymore because he is on meds. And although he is on meds and goes to weekly therapy, it is a daily struggle. He does receive disability but would do anything to be "normal". That being said, I find this thread very helpful as we were wondering the same thing especially when it comes to workamping. There are times where he will probably be able to do some work and other days he won't. So, was also wondering when it comes to workamping with my husband, should I apply for a job as a single? Any of you have any knowledge or experience with this?