Disability Question

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

I have been researching the option of going on disability. Because

of the health insurance, etc...it seems like a catch-22. You need to

be on SS Disability for 24 months, then you are eligible for

Medicare. I have to work at least 32 hours to retain health

benefits. So, cutting my work week down below 32 hours, I would have

to buy my own health insurance in which case I would not make enough

to afford the health insurance. The last time I was covered by

a " self-employed " type plan was 10 years ago and the premium was

$127/month but the deductible was something like $5,000 with 20%

copay after that (plus the fact it didn't cover alot).

Anyway, if you are still reading this post you made it through

listening to my rantings so I'll get to my question. I have been

told my disability payment would be approximately $800/month and that

I could make a certain amount of additional income (something like

$750/month) and still be eligible. My issue is that occasionally I

make some extra money and I wouldn't want to be kicked off of

disability for that. I am not talking about another job, etc. I

might receive referral income or something like that. This is not

regular employment and I have no guarantee of any income from those

activities. What I am wondering is how that is figured and

reported? For example, someone is on disability for 3 years and they

have a small local part-time job making $500/month, they are still

eligible. But what would happen if this continues and for example,

that person receives a $4,000 bonus during year 5? Would that make

them ineligible and they would be kicked off of SS disability?

This may seem like an outlandish question, but it is a concern to

me. I don't make alot of money, but I can't see myself totally

giving up the possibility of making money in the future. I

understand the purpose of the income limit, but I'm sure there are

alot of people with disabilities who have a sporadic source of second

income in which they have no control over when and how much they

receive.

-Rob