If you can’t work due to illness, you have options. If your doctor says that you cannot sustain a full-time job because of the severity of the illness, you should be eligible for Social Security Disability.
The key is that if you do not have a medical condition that qualifies you for immediate approval of disability benefits, you’ll need to prove that you cannot work. Contact us today to see if you qualify, or find out what information you will need to be approved.
How Do I Get Disability Benefits?
To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to meet certain requirements. You can see if you qualify by taking our online assessment. Below are the current SSA requirements you must meet to qualify:
- You must have enough work credits to qualify for disability.
- Your condition must be considered “severe.”
- Your condition must be in the official list of disabling conditions.
- You must be unable to do the work you did previously or any other type of work.
- Your disability has to last at least one year.
Once approved you will receive benefits, but your case will be reviewed periodically to check for any improvement in your disability.
Making Extra Money When You Can’t Work Due to Illness
Even if you are approved to receive benefits, the income may not be enough. We have some suggestions for other forms of income if you can’t work due to illness:
- Sign up for tasks
- Freelancing work
- Rent your space
- Sell unwanted items
- Become a driver
Sign Up For Tasks
There are certain websites where you can sign up to do chores or projects for other people. Because of your illness, you may only be able to do a handful of tasks in short periods of time. Consider two options that allow you to take on work as you are physically.
– TaskRabbit list projects like home repairs, moving, yard work, furniture assembly, and many more. Depending on the project, you will be compensated.
– Another website that you could sign up with is Instacart, which is a grocery delivery service. You can be hired on to shop and deliver groceries for others on your schedule.
Freelancing Work
If you’re a good writer, or have experience with photography, data entry, graphic design, or translation, you could sign up for Fiverr or Upwork.
These are websites where companies post projects or assignments they need assistance with. Or, you can create a profile with your qualifications and have people offer you projects to work on.
Most of the work can be done in the comfort of your own home while you are receiving treatment for your illness. This is a great way to bring home some extra income.
Rent Your Space
Perhaps you have an empty room at home that you can rent for storage, as an office space, or as a room for someone to sleep in.
Places like Airbnb can help you book your room for overnight, weekend, or longer stays. And places like Storeatmyhouse can help you rent out your garage or a room to store other people’s belongings.
Sell Unwanted Items
If you have some extra things or items that you no longer use or your family has outgrown, you can make some extra cash by selling them online.
Websites such as Ebay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to find buyers near you. This is a great way to get rid of clutter at home.
Also, if you are physically able, you could also host a garage sale if you prefer to do everything in-person. If you are not physically able, consider having a family member or neighbor host the garage sale for you.
Become A Driver
If you have a vehicle and your disability does not prevent you from driving a few hours a day, you could sign up for Lyft or Uber. You will be able to make your own hours and earn some extra income. Uber also has a feature called Uber Eats where you can deliver food to customers as well.
It’s important to remember that most websites will require you to report any income that you earn. And, as long as you are following the guidelines for your disability, you can use these options to bring extra income.
Call Us Today for Assistance!
We can assist you with any questions you may have about filing for disability, the disability requirements, and things you can do to earn extra income. Contact us today for answers on what to do when you can’t work due to illness. We are here to help!