Currently working full time, but physical condition makes it difficult. Am going to have to take on a second job in 2015 to pay for the "affordable" insurance I'm required to get. Current job will not cover the premium plus bills I already have. My health is suffering- need to cut back on hours, not work more. Including my commute, I'm putting in about 56 hours a week already. A year ago, was hospitalized and put on medication for high blood pressure and low thyroid. Had been blacking out while driving and talking to clients at my job. In addition to this, I'm on antidepressants, have fibromyalgia, have chronic ENT infections and cough with laryngitis (not good when working in a call center), back pain, and leg pain/swelling, breathing problems.
There is no partial disability with social security. You're either disabled or not. With the info provided you wouldn't qualify currently but this requires a more in depth discussion. You should really consult with an attorney.
To get social security disability you must prove you can not do sustained gainful employment This next part is straight from ssa.gov and shows how much you can earn and still qualify for benefits.
To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount (net of impairment-related work expenses) is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA. The amount of monthly earnings considered as SGA depends on the nature of a person's disability. The Social Security Act specifies a higher SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals; Federal regulations specify a lower SGA amount for non-blind individuals. Both SGA amounts generally change with changes in the national average wage index.
Amounts for 2015
The monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2015 is $1820. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2015 is $1090. SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits. See historical series of SGA amounts below.
Trial work period
After a person becomes eligible for disability benefits, the person may attempt to return to the work force. As an incentive, we provide a trial work period in which a beneficiary may have earnings and still collect benefits.
I am sorry to hear about your decline in health. Although there is no "partial" Social Security Disability ("SSD"), it is possible to work a little and still be considered disabled. Much depends on how many hours you work and how much money you make per month. You really should search for an attorney in your area for a free consultation before you file.
Britton Marie HicksSocial Security LawyersHilliard, OH ·
I would begin by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced social security attorney. I've often met with clients before they've stopped working to evaulate their cases so that they can have a more clear picture of what to expect with this process. From the information you've provided, it sounds like you might have a good case for disability.
