According to expert economists, it is believed that more than two trillion dollars is earned in under-the-table payments in the US, with an estimated 70 million Americans earning money under the table annually. So, if you’re earning money this way, you’re a part of the minority.
However, if you’re earning money under the table and collecting SSDI benefits, you could jeopardize your ability to receive these benefits. Below, the Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz team explains whether you can collect SSDI while working under the table.
This team of experienced Ohio Social Security disability attorneys also details the type of work you’re doing and if it counts as working under the table to cause an impact on your SSDI benefits.
To determine if your SSDI benefits are at risk of being revoked, you must first determine if the type of work and money you’re receiving counts as working under the table.
Ultimately, suppose your employer isn’t reporting the money they pay you weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to the IRS. In that case, you are being paid under the table, affecting your ability to claim SSDI benefits.
Usually, those being paid under the table receive their wages in cash, and no taxes are taken out of it, and you aren’t asked to complete the necessary tax forms like W-4s and I-9s.
So it’s best to be wary of being paid in cash as you might be unwittingly being paid under the table. If you know it, you must realize you might lose your benefits.
A few jobs across multiple industries where being paid under the table is common include:
In addition, you should note that it’s possible to be paid partially under the table. For example, if you are a bartender or waiter, you could receive a large portion of your wages in tips. Thus, if you feel you might be receiving under-the-table wages that could affect your ability to claim SSDI benefits, you should speak with one of our attorneys.
Simply put, you cannot collect SSDI if you’re being paid under the table. This is because, according to the Social Security Administration laws, you are required to earn a predetermined amount of work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits.
Those being paid under the table cannot earn these credits because they are not paying Social Security payroll taxes on the income earned. Typically, 20 credits, which equates to five years of paying social security payroll taxes, is needed to qualify for the SSDI program.
However, in certain instances, you might still qualify if you’ve acquired fewer credits, but eligibility will depend on your case circumstances.
Hiring an attorney can help you navigate SSDI benefit woes regardless of whether you’re considering or have already applied.
A lawyer can help you ascertain if SSDI benefits are possible for you or if the way you’re being paid makes it impossible. With decades of experience with Social Security disability benefits claims, we can help with the following:
With our team’s help, you’ll easily navigate the complex SSDI benefits process.
In today’s economy, more and more people are turning toward being paid under the table. Unfortunately, one of the biggest drawbacks to this method of receiving one’s wages is potentially missing out on much-needed SSDI benefits.
If you contact Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, you’ll receive much-needed guidance on the topic. We can help you determine your SSDI benefits eligibility even if you have been paid under the table or earned income through gig labor and other murky payment avenues.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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