October 25 – SGA When Blind and Age 55 or Older
Question: I am working with a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiary who is statutorily blind. He is 57 years old and is planning to get a job. I remember hearing that there are some special rules for people age 55 and older who are blind. What are those rules?
Answer: Special Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules apply after the beneficiary’s 55th birthday. If the beneficiary’s earnings demonstrate SGA (i.e., countable earnings exceed the blind SGA level) but his work requires a lower level of skill and ability than the work he did before age 55 or when he became blind, whichever is later, Social Security will suspend, not terminate, the SSDI. The beneficiary’s eligibility for SSDI benefits continues indefinitely, and Social Security will pay him benefits for any month earnings fall below SGA.
Would you like to find out more about WIPA and your benefits? Contact your statewide WIPA Program-Project 20/20 if you have questions like our Daily Tips or want to learn more about working while receiving social security disability benefits. Call our North Augusta office at 803-279-9611 or the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842. You can also complete a Contact Us or Self-referral Form.