(MCT)—The following Q&A was prepared by the Social Security Administration and geared toward clearing up all of your Social Security confusion.
Q: I am receiving Social Security disability benefits. Will my benefits be affected if I work and earn money?
A: It depends. We have special rules called “work incentives” that help you keep your monthly payments and Medicare coverage while you test your ability to work. For example, you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment during a trial work period. For more information about work incentives, we recommend that you read our publication, Working While Disabled—How We Can Help at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html.
Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can receive Social Security disability benefits?
A: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you still cannot work. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still disabled when you reach your full retirement age, we will convert your disability benefit to a retirement benefit at the same amount. You can learn more about Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
(c) 2011, McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
