Chicago Social Security Disability Insurance Application and Appeals Attorney
The process of submitting a Social Security Disability Insurance application and waiting through appeals can be emotionally and financially draining. Many people are denied Social Security benefits the first time they apply. You may believe that you cannot work while going through the Social Security Disability Insurance application process because this will show you are capable of working and this supports a denial. This is not true.
At the law office of Christine M. Naper, I am here to answer all your questions about Social Security Disability Insurance, the process, denial, appeals and the parameters approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). After over 30 years as an attorney committed to helping people with SSI and SSDI applications and appeals, I am intimately familiar with how to counsel clients, in Illinois, about what kind of work they can do while navigating this lengthy process.
Contact me today if you have questions about working while applying for Social Security Disability Insurance.
What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you only need to prove that you cannot sustain full time work. SSA Guidelines provide how much you can make before your earning are considered substantial gainful activity. In 2010, if you make $1,000 or less per month, your work is not considered substantial gainful activity. Often a disability or illness can severely impair your ability to perform the job you used to have, but you still may be able to work at a lower-functioning job to help support yourself and your family.
What Qualifies as Part Time Work?
In 2010, if you make $1,000 or less per month and are not working full time then this qualifies as part time employment. If you fit these criteria, the SSA does not view this has substantial gainful activity, and this will not adversely affect your application or appeal. In fact, by making a good faith effort to show you are trying to earn a living yourself and that you are not only going to rely on government assistance, working may actually help your case.
I will make sure to clearly articulate to the authorities that you are not capable of substantial gainful activity when representing you through the application and appeals process. I will stand by your side through every level of appeal, and I will not collect attorney's fees unless I am successful in recovering benefits for you.
To learn more about the process, please see my SSDI FAQ page.
To set up an appointment, e-mail me or call me at 773-525-8952. I look forward to working with you.
