Social Security disability

Brian41 · Jun 29, 2013

I applied for and was accepted for SS disability due to my back issues. I'm having back surgery again next month but won't be able to go back to my physical job again and I'm 60. Okay I'm trying to adjust to this sudden early retirement and finances etc. I think I'm working such things out okay and will be getting with my financial planner and CPA on my changes.
I got a booklet from SS explaining some things and have visited their web site too but still have questions too I can't find answers for and since we have a smart crew here I thought I'd ask some questions.
Can I work any sort of job I might be able to do after surgery and if so is there a pay limit? I don't want to sit on a stump and rot away and would like to find something to do within my abilities.
Can I collect my small pension from my employer without a penalty from SS on my payments? It seems like I can collect my pension but not clear on this either.
Lastly my wife is concerned I'll be busted for cutting my grass on my tractor or doing simple tasks I'm able to do. She's doing all the yard work I can't right now and her job. Can I at least do simple yard work if I can after surgery and maybe plow the snow with my quad?
I'm not looking to get over with the system but only want to do simple things still as I am able.
Big change for me as I've been the family provider all these years and now this.

4011 · Jun 29, 2013

When I went on SS I made an appointment. Went in an the lady had all the answers.

timn8er · Jun 29, 2013

When I went on SSD I was told I could earn up to a thousand dollars a month gross without being penalized. About the pension, I don't know. My sister asked me the same question about disqualifying myself if I were to start riding my motorcycle again. 4011 has the best idea;make an appointment with SSS & line it all out.

amazingflapjack · Jun 29, 2013

I suggest you get a company that specializes in SS Dis. They are usually are not Lawyers, mine wasn't-most were X SS employees, and really knew their stuff. It's an adversarial process, don't get mad. I was not taken seriously until I had signed up with one of these entity's. I asked God for His guidance and ability. It will usually take longer than we think. patience and perseverance, prayer.

quneur · Jun 29, 2013

Yes, you can make just over 1K a month without penalty to SS or Medicare. Since you've already been accepted you won't need to see a specialist. Any question you have SS office or SS by phone can answer. Simple work like mowing the lawn won't get you in trouble. The type of work that will is very physical work such as construction work. As to your pension that would have to be address by SS.

ladder13 · Jun 29, 2013

At 60, I wouldn't be looking over my shoulder, but anything 50 and below I would. That's just my opinion as I never worked for SS.

LVSteve · Jun 29, 2013

I had to apply for disability on behalf of my wife after her cancer really starting knocking her down. After seeing the medical history, I got a response from the lady dealing with the case I never expected. "Your wife should have done this at least 18 months ago".

Rule3 · Jun 29, 2013

SSA has a very complete web site. Answers to most questions can be found there. But as it is the Govt, it may be convoluted so by all means go see a local rep. Yes, you can collect your pension. You may want to with hold income taxes from your SS amount(yes it is taxed) so you do not get hit at the end of the year.

I wouldn't worry about sitting on a lawn mower at 60 yrs old, dancing on the bar, playing golf, snow skiing etc well they might frown on that

LVSteve · Jun 29, 2013

Rule3 said:
SSA has a very complete web site. Answers to most questions can be found there. But as it is the Govt, it may be convoluted so by all means go see a local rep. Yes, you can collect your pension. You may want to with hold income taxes from your SS amount(yes it is taxed) so you do not get hit at the end of the year.

I wouldn't worry about sitting on a lawn mower at 60 yrs old, dancing on the bar, playing golf, snow skiing etc well they might frown on that

In England they just sent a guy to jail after he was busted playing rugby while on disability. I laughed like a drain when I read it.

morich53 · Jun 29, 2013

Brian41 said:
I applied for and was accepted for SS disability due to my back issues. I'm having back surgery again next month but won't be able to go back to my physical job again and I'm 60. Okay I'm trying to adjust to this sudden early retirement and finances etc. I think I'm working such things out okay and will be getting with my financial planner and CPA on my changes.
I got a booklet from SS explaining some things and have visited their web site too but still have questions too I can't find answers for and since we have a smart crew here I thought I'd ask some questions.
Can I work any sort of job I might be able to do after surgery and if so is there a pay limit? I don't want to sit on a stump and rot away and would like to find something to do within my abilities.
Can I collect my small pension from my employer without a penalty from SS on my payments? It seems like I can collect my pension but not clear on this either.
Lastly my wife is concerned I'll be busted for cutting my grass on my tractor or doing simple tasks I'm able to do. She's doing all the yard work I can't right now and her job. Can I at least do simple yard work if I can after surgery and maybe plow the snow with my quad?
I'm not looking to get over with the system but only want to do simple things still as I am able.
Big change for me as I've been the family provider all these years and now this.

First off, having applied for and getting accepted for SSD is a large hurdle (having done that). Congrats!
You seem to have a lot on you're plate (back surgery, rehab) and wanting to do some side work. I can relate to all that.
There shouldn't be any problem drawing your pension and SSD. I say this because I'm receiving both (please call SSA to verify your status).
As for doing simple stuff...I do whatever I can (yard work, mowing the yard, etc). I need the exercise and do a little each day until I'm done. You'll know you're limitations.
I hope this helps...life is just starting at 60

snubbyfan · Jun 29, 2013

I applied for disability on the advice of my doctor. After the 6 month waiting period I found out that peripheral neuropathy is automatically covered. If only they told me that 6 months earlier, I wouldn't have wasted so much time calling for updates and checking to see if they needed anymore info.
In West Virginia I can earn up to $1400 a month. The only problem I have is that I can't find a job I can do with gimpy hands and feet.
I've contacted a placement specialist to help but all they do is test me and tell me that they'll get back to me.
Good luck with your surgery next month.

rwsmith · Jun 29, 2013

Yes you can work

They usually send little pamphlets out regularly with reminders about this stuff. The former poster was right in that the monthly limit is somewhere around $1000 to $1200 range. I don't know exactly cause I haven't checked in a few years and I don't work anyway. If you got your SS disability without a major and drawn out fight with lawyers the hardest part is behind you.
I'm totally out of the rat race but my wife still has a decent job which saves our bacon.

SW_shooter · Jun 29, 2013

Congrats on getting the SSDI without the long drawn out fight. I too got accepted 2.5 months after applying. I had to go to a doctors visit to one of their docs for him to verify my condition. I only applied for SSDI after my GP and Ortho both told me I should apply as I would be a shoe-in.

I am trying to land some sort of at home phone job so I can make a little extra cash. I'm going to double check for myself but I am 98% confident SSDI is NOT taxable income. Any additional income would be. If I remember correctly I think the yearly limit is around $25k for total income. But I will be double checking that as well.

Best of luck with the back surgery and I hope you have a speedy recovery, I've been through two and don't want any more.

Brian41 · Jun 30, 2013

Thanks for the replies and I learned a lot from them. I'll be calling my local SS contact person next week for more information.
I'm hoping the surgery will help and I'll be able to do more. Wife is tired of doing yard work and all the heavy lifting and says she wants a condo next spring with or without me. I'd hate to leave our place in the country but if I can't keep it up I'll have no choice in the matter.
I'd like to do some sort of work part time if I'm able to later. Right now I have a hard time standing for any length of time and that eliminates most jobs I could do.
My doctors didn't want me to go back to my physical job at all but it was hard to give up what I've done for years and hoped to a few years longer. Unfortunately they have no other positions for me that aren't physical either.
I was surprised my claim with SS went through the first time as I was expecting to be declined and need a lawyer to get benefits. I guess my doctors told them all the right things about my condition and they listened to that. SS even moved my disability date to last year when I had my first surgery rather than Feb. this year when I hurt my back at work. I went to the clinic then and workmen's comp deemed it a pre-existing condition.
I really haven't had much choice in the matter other than to apply for disability. Hopefully between that and my wife's wages we'll be able to manage okay.

morich53 · Jul 1, 2013

Brian41 said:
Thanks for the replies and I learned a lot from them. I'll be calling my local SS contact person next week for more information.
I'm hoping the surgery will help and I'll be able to do more. Wife is tired of doing yard work and all the heavy lifting and says she wants a condo next spring with or without me. I'd hate to leave our place in the country but if I can't keep it up I'll have no choice in the matter.
I'd like to do some sort of work part time if I'm able to later. Right now I have a hard time standing for any length of time and that eliminates most jobs I could do.
My doctors didn't want me to go back to my physical job at all but it was hard to give up what I've done for years and hoped to a few years longer. Unfortunately they have no other positions for me that aren't physical either.
I was surprised my claim with SS went through the first time as I was expecting to be declined and need a lawyer to get benefits. I guess my doctors told them all the right things about my condition and they listened to that. SS even moved my disability date to last year when I had my first surgery rather than Feb. this year when I hurt my back at work. I went to the clinic then and workmen's comp deemed it a pre-existing condition.
I really haven't had much choice in the matter other than to apply for disability. Hopefully between that and my wife's wages we'll be able to manage okay.

You've had me thinking (which is a hard thing). I noticed you are a veteran, check with your local VA Rep on submitting for disability or have them re-look your case for a possible percentage increase due to your medical change. Don't dismiss this...check, you might be surprised.
Just a thought...

ohiobuckeye · Jul 1, 2013

The bitter half went on SS disability, after a not so successful back surgery, at age 56 and also collects her company pension....no problem. That was in 2000, and I don't recall the details, whether it was an only option, or the best option, but she was also put on Medicare at the same time, and could only retain her company health benefits, as a secondary coverage, at a VERY hefty premium. I was already retired, and fortunately, my company benefits permitted her to be included in my supplemental benefits package at a very minimul rate. So, if you haven't already done so, your health insurance might be something to look at right away, as some benefits only have a timed "window" of opportunity to apply.

H Richard · Jul 1, 2013

Once you are approved for ad begin receiving SS Disability benefits, you will automatically be eligible for Medicare 24 months later. This will create a change in any company health care insurance plan, and you will need some kind of supplement. There are a lot of them out there, and I recommend you consult an insurance specialist that handles Senior insurance exclusively. Talk to retiree's and find out who they trust locally.

cowart · Jul 1, 2013

SW_shooter said:
I am 98% confident SSDI is NOT taxable income.

There are some folks who don't agree. First, the IRS:
Publication 17 (2012), Your Federal Income Tax

"Social security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits."

Another:
Taxation of Social Security Disability (SSDI) Income | Allsup

"The unfortunate news is that SSDI payments are potentially taxable. The good news is that the amount taxed will probably be very low, if anything at all."

Brian41 · Jul 1, 2013

I'll check with the VA as who knows? It was the start of my abusing my back as I didn't have the typical soft AF job.
We use my wife's health insurance as it's better and less co-pays. I'm paying COBRA now though on our dental and eye. I'm assuming her insurance will cover supplement insurance once I get on Medicare.
Dang if there's a lot to learn and thanks for the replies.

SW_shooter · Jul 1, 2013

cowart said:
There are some folks who don't agree. First, the IRS:
Publication 17 (2012), Your Federal Income Tax

"Social security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits."

Another:
Taxation of Social Security Disability (SSDI) Income | Allsup

"The unfortunate news is that SSDI payments are potentially taxable. The good news is that the amount taxed will probably be very low, if anything at all."

Yes, but If you read closely the limit is the $25k. If you work and earn enough to surpass that amount with SSDI and your other income then yes it is taxable to some extent (depends on how much you earn in total). If you do nothing and only receive the SSDI (which is around $16,400 per year) you will pay no taxes. I had that conversation with my SSDI representative in person FTF. The limits vary depending upon whether you are filing single or married and how much your total income including SSDI is for the year.

This is the official website for SSDI and they lay it out exactly. The Allsup page referenced is the same info.
Benefits Planner: Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefits

BTW for those who may not know, Allsup is a third party company that works to get people their benefits but takes a percentage of whatever amount they recover as "back pay". Fortunately I was able to do it myself and did not have to pay them or any other third party part of my benefits.

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