Social Security Disability:  How Are Your Earnings Calculated?

社會安全殘障福利的申請流程可能令人不知所措，尤其是在了解收入計算方式方面。無論您是正在考慮申請殘障福利還是已經領取福利，了解收入評估方式對於了解您的財務狀況至關重要。

Here's a breakdown of how the Social Security Administration calculates your earnings for disability benefits:

1. Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME):

計算過程的第一步是確定您的平均指數化月收入 (AIME)。 AIME 的計算方法是使用平均薪資指數對您過去的收入進行通貨膨脹調整。這其中考慮了您特定工作年份的工資水平。

2. 基本保險金額（PIA）：

確定平均收入估算值 (AIME) 後，即可用於計算您的主要保險金額 (PIA)。 PIA 代表您在達到完全退休年齡 (FRA) 並符合領取社會安全退休金資格後可獲得的金額。 PIA 的計算方法是將 AIME 應用於一個公式，該公式考慮了社會安全署設定的轉折點和百分比。

3. 實質有酬活動（SGA）：

要符合領取社會安全殘障福利的資格，您必須符合殘障的定義，其中包括無法從事實質有酬活動 (SGA)。 SGA 是社會安全署設定的一個門檻，用於確定您的收入是否足以被視為從事實質有酬活動。 2020 年，非盲人人士的 SGA 金額為每月 1,260 美元，盲人人士的 SGA 金額為每月 2,110 美元。如果您的收入超過 SGA 金額，您可能不符合領取殘障福利的資格。

4. 試用工作期間（TWP）：

If you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits and want to attempt to return to work, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) during which you can test your ability to work without losing your benefits. During the TWP, you can earn any amount without it affecting your disability benefits. However, the Social Security Administration considers months in which your earnings exceed a certain threshold as part of the TWP calculation. For 2020, any month in which you earn more than $910 is considered a trial work month.

5. Continuing Disability Review (CDR):

Even after you start receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration periodically reviews your case to ensure you still meet the definition of disability. During these Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR), your earnings will be evaluated to determine if you are still eligible for benefits. If your earnings exceed the SGA amount during a CDR, your benefits may be discontinued.

Understanding how your earnings are calculated is essential when applying for Social Security Disability benefits or considering returning to work. It is crucial to stay informed about the guidelines set by the Social Security Administration to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of benefits and remain compliant with the rules and regulations.

If you have any questions or need assistance, it is beneficial to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney or a representative who can guide you through the process and provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.