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Can You Work While on Disability?

Can You Work While on Disability

Navigating life while on disability can be complex, especially when it comes to balancing the financial support from your benefits and the desire or need to work. In Florida, understanding the rules and limitations around working while on disability is critical.

This guide explores how disability benefits interact with employment, what Florida laws say, and how to ensure compliance to avoid jeopardizing your benefits.

If you have additional questions about your rights and responsibilities, our Florida work injury attorney can help.

Understanding Disability Benefits in Florida

Disability benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who cannot work due to a significant injury or medical condition. For those injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are often the primary source of income during recovery.

These benefits typically cover lost wages, medical bills, and rehabilitation costs. According to Florida Statutes § 440.15, workers’ compensation provides temporary total disability (TTD) and temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits to injured workers who meet specific criteria.

However, whether you can work while receiving these benefits depends on the type of disability benefits you are receiving. TPD benefits, for example, are designed for those who can perform some work but not at the same capacity as before their injury.

A Florida work injury attorney can help clarify what applies to your situation.

Can You Work While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

Working is possible under specific circumstances if you receive workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. The primary consideration is whether the work aligns with the limitations set by your doctor and whether it complies with the workers’ compensation requirements. For example:

  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): You may work in a reduced capacity and still receive partial benefits to compensate for lost wages.
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Working while on TTD is generally not allowed, as these benefits are meant for those who cannot work.

Attempting to work in ways that contradict your medical restrictions or failing to report income can result in serious consequences, including loss of benefits and potential accusations of fraud. Consulting a workers’ comp lawyer in Florida is crucial to ensuring compliance with these regulations.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Work

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be eligible to work under certain conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a “Trial Work Period” (TWP), allowing recipients to test their ability to work for up to nine months while still receiving full benefits. As of 2025, earning more than $1,060 monthly is a TWP month.

After the trial period, the “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) threshold determines whether you can continue receiving benefits. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 monthly for non-blind individuals.

The Florida work injury attorney you consult can help you understand how your SSDI benefits interact with state workers’ compensation laws.

Common Challenges for Injured Workers Attempting to Work

While Florida law provides pathways for limited work while receiving disability benefits, injured workers often face several challenges, including:

  • Employer Retaliation: Some workers fear retaliation for pursuing workers’ compensation benefits despite laws protecting against this. Florida Statutes § 440.205 prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file for workers’ compensation.
  • Medical Limitations: Finding suitable work that aligns with medical restrictions can be difficult, especially for those with severe or permanent injuries.
  • Documentation Requirements: Failing to report work income accurately or adhering to medical restrictions can result in reduced or terminated benefits.

A top-rated work injury law firm in Florida can assist you in navigating these challenges and protecting your rights.

Statistics Highlighting Disability and Work Challenges

Understanding the broader context of disability and work in Florida helps illustrate the challenges injured workers face. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, about 19.1% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 63.7% of those without disabilities. This disparity highlights the barriers injured and disabled individuals encounter when re-entering the workforce.

Additionally, a 2023 National Council on Compensation Insurance report found that Florida workers received an average of $780 in weekly temporary disability benefits. While these benefits provide vital support, they often fall short of replacing full wages, prompting many injured workers to explore part-time employment options.

Steps to Take If You Want to Work While on Disability

If you are considering working while receiving disability benefits, follow these steps to protect your benefits and avoid legal issues:

  1. Consult Your Doctor: Ensure that any work aligns with your medical restrictions and recovery plan.
  2. Notify Your Employer and Insurance Carrier: Always communicate changes in your work status to prevent misunderstandings.
  3. Work Within Legal Limits: Understand the earning thresholds and hours allowed for your specific disability benefits.
  4. Seek Legal Guidance: A workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida can provide personalized advice and help you avoid pitfalls.

The Role of a Florida Work Injury Attorney

Whether you are looking to return to work or maintain your disability benefits, the guidance of an experienced Florida work injury attorney can make all the difference. They can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, ensure compliance with state laws, and advocate for your rights if disputes arise.

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our team has extensive experience helping injured workers understand their rights and options. We are dedicated to providing top-rated legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you are filing a claim, negotiating a settlement, or planning a return to work, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Get the Benefits You Deserve

Balancing work and disability benefits is not always straightforward, but understanding the rules and seeking the right guidance can protect your financial and physical well-being. If you have questions about your ability to work while on disability, contact Sternberg | Forsythe, PA today.

As a top-rated work injury law firm in Florida, we are committed to helping injured workers navigate their recovery journey with confidence.

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