If you are physically or mentally disabled, it can be difficult to take care of your bills while deciding on your options to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or take another path. If you’re stressed about how to make money at home if you’re disabled, here are some alternatives to consider.
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Find Ways to Earn Extra Money From Home
We have gathered a few options that can alleviate the burden and can help make money at home while you are disabled.
1. Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2019, the threshold is $1,220.
This means that if you are disabled and unable to make more than $1,200 in a calendar month, you may be eligible for disability benefits. However, the nature of your disability may impact the SGA level for your case.
If you have questions about whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, contact us.
2. Use Your Talent
Services such as TaskRabbit allow you to pick small projects to do for other people. Many of the listings will need to be performed at other people’s homes, but there are a few you can do from home, or while you are running errands if physically able.
Things like picking up groceries, waiting in line, returning items to stores, and organizing documents for other people will get you some income. During the holidays or parties, there are tasks to help wrap presents and make goodie bags.
Some of these tasks do not require hard work or heavy lifting and can be done from the comfort of your home or during your scheduled errands. If you have other talents like painting, music, or are experienced in school subjects, you could tutor other kids as an alternative source of income.
3. Freelancing Work
If you have experience writing or editing, you could do freelancing work to make money at home while disabled. If you are more experienced with building websites and coding, this could also be something you can do from home. Try a website such as Upwork.com to get started!
4. Find Income Assistance
The Social Security Administration has several opportunities for people who are disabled and are looking for work. SSA.gov offers Selective Placement Programs, Ticket to Work Programs, and Vocational Rehabilitation & Reasonable Accommodations Services.
Another place you can visit if you are searching for a job is USAJOBS.gov where they post jobs for people with disabilities. Simply add your ZIP code to view all available positions in your area.
– Overall, none of these suggestions should be considered “under the table” jobs, meaning that they are being paid in cash and cannot be tracked back to you. You should always inform Social Security about any income you make.
5. Rent Your Space
Places like Airbnb have made it easier to rent out a room or your entire home to people for extra income. There are also services that allow you to rent out a spot on your parking garage or in front of your house.
6. Sell Unwanted Items
You can sell any of your unused items for some extra income. Clothes, furniture, toys, and books are some of the items you can trade for cash. Places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist make it easy to list your items. If you have any collectibles, you can put them up on Ebay as well.
7. Donate Blood For Cash
If you’re healthy, you can donate blood plasma at your local blood blank. Some locations exchange blood donations for cash or gift cards.
You will need to meet certain requirements to donate blood and the amount of times you can donate will vary. This is a great way to make some extra money, as well as help others in need.
8. Seek Donations
Another option is to seek donations. Visit your local food shelter or church where they could assist you with food items, clothes, and sometimes income to pay for certain bills that are pressing. It’s always a good idea to reach out to local organizations in your city.
Out of Work and Need Help Determining if You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Disability application process is extremely complicated and frustrating. Don’t worry, our experts have decades of experience. We’ve seen just about everything ad we are ready to review your case and determine the best next steps moving forward.
Let’s see if you qualify for Social Security benefits. Contact us today to get started.