Yes, you can work while receiving Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits, but there are certain rules you need to follow.
For those who might be new to this, TDIU is a benefit for veterans who can’t work fully due to their service-connected disabilities.
Working While on TDIU: What You Need to Know
You can work while on TDIU, but your job must not be considered “substantially gainful employment.”
What does this mean?
Definition: Substantially Gainful Employment
You can’t earn more than a certain amount (usually around the poverty level.)
Navigating Part-Time and Marginal Employment
Part-time jobs or jobs that don’t require many hours each week are often okay for TDIU recipients.
Jobs like working in a store for a few hours a week or helping at a local café are examples.
Types of Acceptable Employment Under TDIU
Self-Employment and TDIU
If you’re thinking about starting your own small business or working for yourself, it’s possible while on TDIU.
The key is: that the work should not make more money than the TDIU limit (poverty level). As of January 2022, the federal poverty threshold for a single person was $13,590.
Sheltered Employment: A Viable Option
Sheltered employment means working in a job that’s specially adjusted for your disability.
Maybe your boss lets you take more breaks or doesn’t mind if you have to miss days for medical reasons.
These kinds of jobs are generally fine for TDIU recipients.
Check out our guide on Sheltered and Marginal Employment for more info.
Click Here to Learn About Marginal and Sheltered Employment!
Balancing Employment and TDIU Benefits
Understanding the Earnings Threshold
It’s important to keep track of how much you earn.
If you make more than the allowed amount, you might lose your TDIU benefits!
Your Rights and Protections as a TDIU Recipient
You have rights at work, like asking for special changes so you can do your job better with your disability.
It’s good to talk with your employer about what you need and how they can help.
Remember, working while on TDIU is possible, but be aware of the rules and limits.
Explore job options that fit within TDIU guidelines, and don’t forget your rights as a worker with a disability.
There are resources and people ready to help you find the right balance.
Think You’re Owed TDIU But Were Denied? Remember, Your Time is as Important as Your Claim
Your moments are precious, don’t waste them on legal complexities of trying to fight an appeal.
If you think you are entitled to TDIU benefits and currently don’t have substantially gainful employment, contact us now.
Get your free case evaluation with us today.
