Receiving Disability Is Hard on Workaholics

Receiving Disability Is Hard on Workaholics

In today’s connected world, it is easy to become a workaholic doing work that you love and leave very little time to properly care for your body. Down the road, that has the potential to severely impact your health, especially if your work is physically demanding. A recent story in the Washington Post highlighted the difficulty some people have with simply “quitting” while receiving disability benefits. It’s a story full of inspirational people, and I know many of my clients can relate to the stories told by these individuals.

One individual highlighted in the story has a neurological disease that reduces the amount of energy he has. He discusses the limitations he has (i.e., 25 “spoonful’s” of energy on a good day that he has to ration out) but also that when he is out on a mountain biking trail in his wheelchair or volunteering, he is still sick. Going out into society helps put a smile on his face on the good days he is fortunate to have.

Another individual portrait focuses on a young lady who had an aneurysm and subsequent limitations. She was able to graduate college and slowly start working at her own pace, with a job that allows her to do so (Uber Eats). Her story is inspirational and a true testament to the fact that Social Security’s programs for those receiving benefits but want to try working do help.

Still another individual portrait discusses a topic I often hear come up in my meetings with clients who suffer from chronic conditions – online support communities. The individual discusses the way the online communities can help to “normalize” your condition and learn about different ways to support one another and keep yourself busy within your limitations.

It is true that Social Security has limitations on the amount of income you can receive and the amount of work (whether paid or volunteer) you can participate in while receiving benefits; however, if your disabilities prevent you from working full time and/or earning much income, it may be worth your time to speak with a disability attorney on the rules and restrictions Social Security has in place, as well as the helpful programs by the Agency to help those currently on Social Security see if they are well enough to return to work full time. To speak with an attorney, call us at (904) 777-7777 or email us using our contact form.