Many people are losing their jobs because of the current economic environment while others are trying to decide if they should even return to their jobs. Understanding your benefits and how they pay out may help you with your decision.
First let's understand what these benefits are:
You can make more than $18,240 per year, but your Social Security will then start to be taxed. If you are younger than full retirement age during all of 2020, $1 will be deducted for each $2 you earn above $18,240. If you work and are at full retirement age or older, you can keep all of your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. You can collect Social Security early at age 62 but many people defer this to age 65 or later because the benefit is higher.
If you have SSDI, it will automatically convert to regular Social Security at age 65. Most LTD Insurance policies also cut off at age 65 because you are then eligible for the Social Security Income. However, there is no restriction from the Social Security Administration that would stop you from continuing to collect Social Security Retirement income and LTD Income if your policy allows it. Some LTD Income policies will allow you to continue collecting benefits after you have qualified for Social Security disability Income, but some don't.
If you have a personal LTDI policy and it is an own occupation policy you can continue to work at another job as long as it is not the same occupation. However, you may be limited to the amount you can make. Refer to the policy stipulations. Most employers will not allow you to work and receive Long term Disability income from their sponsored policies.
I would recommend speaking to your HR manager regarding their plan to understand how the programs coordinate.
Diahanna Vallentine, BCPA
Financial Coach
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about the author
Diahanna Vallentine
Diahanna is the Financial Program Manager for the HealthTree Foundation, specializing in financial help for multiple myeloma and AML patients. As a professional financial consultant and former caregiver of her husband who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Diahanna perfectly understands the financial issues facing myeloma patients.
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