[soboman0074]

My SSDI benefit isn't enough to meet my monthly expenses and I need to go to work, but can't afford to lose my benefit and insurance. Is there a way that I can either become self employed or go to work for someone else on a 1099-MISC basis?

[kayakinggirl]

You can have a job if you make under $800.00 per month (that is actually lower than what the real amount is) and the work environment is sheltered and you do not work outside of your doctor's restrictions. You will, however, run the risk of losing your benefits at some point. YOU MUST ALWAYS REPORT ANY EARNINGS, WHETHER IT IS FROM SELF EMPLOYMENT OR A REGULAR JOB TO SSA.

[whirlwind_woman]

I work with Adults with Developmental Disabilties. 99% of them are on SSDI. 45% of them work in a sheltered workshop. 50% of those who work earn approximately $230 every two weeks. They also collect somewhere between $500 - $650 per mo in SSDI. So it would come close to what kayakinggirl mentioned about topping out at $800.00 per month. These individuals do not loose their benefits/insurance so long as they do not allow their bank accounts to accumulate more than $2000.00 at any time. There are times when this does occur and we have to "spend down" immediately so that they do not loose their medical insurance. That's usually when large purchases are made, such as TVs, washing machines, other appliances or expensive trips! Etc etc.
Should we not meet the spend down deadline and they loose their insurance, it can be reappylied for and reinstated within 6 weeks or sometimes less.
Most of the people I work for also have Section 8 housing so it usually doesn't take that long to hit the $2000.00 mark in their bank accounts. We're out shopping at least once per year for something expensive.

[Fr_Chuck]

1099, or self employment is still earnings, and would have to be reported, to not report could be considered fraud and you could lose all benefits for that reason.

[kayakinggirl]

Again, as always, when it comes to the federal government, big brother is watching you... please be careful with what you do and any money that you earn on a 1099 basis must be reported and taxes MUST be paid. You can get in trouble not just with SSa, but with the IRS as well.