Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help you financially if you are disabled and unable to work. When applying for SSD benefits, there is certain financial information that the SSA will review when determining your eligibility, such as any financial assets, your earned income, and your unearned income.
“Unearned income” is any monetary income that is not earned through employment (or any self-employed business). There are many different kinds of unearned income that the SSA may look at, such as your veterans’ benefits, pension, retirement benefits, workers’ compensation, and unemployment benefits. Unearned income also includes money from someone else for your own expenses, housing costs, food, and other essential needs. Other than that, life insurance and inheritance payments, alimony and child support, union benefits, and income from owned rental properties all count as unearned income. There are other forms of unearned income as well.
Some forms of unearned income are reviewed in determining whether or not you are eligible for SSD benefits, while other forms are not. Your unearned income may affect if you are eligible for SSD benefits, and it can also determine the amount of money that you receive.
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits and concerned that your unearned income may affect your eligibility or your amount of benefits, it may be a good idea to seek help from a disability advocate or lawyer who can look over your case and help you prepare your application.
