Disability annuitants may perform some work, but the law limits how much money or income a disability annuitant may earn and still continue to receive disability benefits. In addition, some types of work may indicate that the annuitant has recovered from their disability.
To determine if and how work will affect a disability annuitant's benefits, the RRB looks at the following factors:
- What work was performed and for what employer?
- Was it work for earnings?
- How much was earned?
- If you have any impairment related work expenses (IRWE), they may reduce the amount of earnings counted toward the annual earnings limit. IRWE include the reasonable costs to you of certain items and services which, because of your impairment(s), you need and use to enable yourself to work.
When you report work and earnings promptly, the RRB is able to determine whether your work and/or earnings will have any impact on your entitlement to disability benefits or the amount of benefits paid to you. The RRB may conduct a formal continuing disability review to determine if your work indicates that you have recovered from your disability (see Substantial Gainful Activity and Continuing Disability Review.
The RRB performs periodic matches with other Federal and State agencies to identify any unreported earnings. Failure to report your work and earnings timely to the RRB may result in overpayments, as well as additional penalty amounts. In some cases, failure to report earnings may constitute a criminal violation under Title 45, U.S.C., section 231(l) or other criminal or civil statutes of law.
Detailed information about monthly and yearly earnings limits is available by contacting an RRB representative toll-free at (877) 772-5772.