What kinds of SSI benefits do I have if I'm self-employed?

Disability benefits can be confusing, especially if you are able to work a little and are self employed. The first step is actually qualifying for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. SSI is a monthly payment from the Social Security Administration for people who have a low income, own very little and are over 65 years old or are disabled or blind.

Assuming you qualify for SSI, and you are self employed, you may be entitled to some free services that will help you continue to work. You might also be allowed to save some money towards your education and not have your SSI benefit amount reduced. Of course, it is possible to earn enough money that your benefit payment amount may be reduced or discontinued but it is possible under certain circumstances that you might be able to retain your Medicaid benefits even if your monthly payments stop.

• The rules about keeping your Medicaid as you earn more money are different in each state, and also depend on the availability and affordability of comparable health care in your state.

Social Security has a variety of work incentive programs for disabled people who want to attempt working again. One of these is called the Trial Work Period. If you are self employed, your trial work period can last for up to 9 out of 60 months and during those nine months you can either spend 80 hours working on or at your business or you can earn more than $720 after expenses.

If you have work related expenses, you may be able to deduct those before Social Security considers your financial eligibility to receive SSI.

Get Legal Help

There are many excellent attorneys in your area who specialize in helping clients receive the full Social Security benefits they are entitled to. If you have questions, this is a great time to talk with an attorney about how to qualify for benefits and what happens to your personal business when you do.