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Once you've been approved for Social Security benefits, you may be disgruntled by how little you are expected to live on. Most people may not realize it, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) never promises that the monthly benefit will entirely replace your previous job's income and you can usually only count on it being a portion of that. There is a way to earn more money, however, so read on to learn more.

Facing Income Limits

To make matters a bit worse, you are not allowed to earn over a certain amount of money each month and still qualify for SSA benefits. At present (2018), you can have a maximum of $1,180 of income without facing a reduction in benefits.

The Trial Work Period (TWP)

Fortunately, the SSA allows those receiving benefits to earn more than that by participating in the Trial Work Period (TWP). This program is not just a method to earn extra funds, however. It is a way of determining whether or not you might be able to go back to work again in the future. At the end of the TWP, the SSA will evaluate you by taking into account the amount of money you earned and decide whether or not you will continue to need benefits.

Unlimited Earnings

The TWP participants can earn as much money as they want during nine months in a five year period of time. You can earn for nine consecutive months or break it up any way you wish. Only the months where you earn more than $850.00 count as TWP months, so you can earn up to that amount as often as you wish. Since you can earn up to $1,180 without participating in the TWP, you might want to consider whether or not it is worth it to participate. If you think that you can get your earnings up a lot higher than the limit, it might be worth it to participate, but you must remember that taking part in the TWP could mean a loss of benefits at the end of the period.

For example, if you know that you can work for a couple of months during the busy holiday season at a certain business and earn $2,000 a month or more during those two months, then that income level might make the TWP more profitable for you. The TWP is voluntary and is not right for all.

Losing your benefits after such a long battle to get them can be devastating so make sure you understand the income issue before you earn money. If you have been turned down by the SSA for benefits, talk to a company like Attorney John B. Martin Law Offices about getting representation at your appeal hearing.