Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs designed to provide financial assistance to those who are not able to work as a result of a disabling condition. Both programs define a disabled individual as someone who is not able to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” While SSDI benefits are provided based on your insured status, SSI is a needs-based program and is determined by household income (earned and unearned) and assets. For SSI claimants, Social Security administrators are looking at both regular income (wages) and passive income (funds not gained through work).
The Khaki Law Firm has identified three common forms of passive income: business ownership, rental properties/equipment, and income from previous work relationships. The key is evaluating whether Social Security may consider these “substantial gainful activity” as it relates to your financial status and needs. With business ownership, for example, income is only substantial gainful activity if the SSI or SSDI claimant spent more than half the time necessary to earn that income. In other words, if the claimant owns the business but does not actually perform the productive work, that will not likely be substantial gainful activity for the purposes of the SSI or SSDI application. For those who own rental properties or rent out specific equipment, this will not likely be counted as substantial gainful activity – unless the individual’s primary business is renting properties for profit. A third common form of passive income is funds earned through previous work relationships or associations. This includes one-time projects with minimal expectations that may have been provided as an act of kindness or charity.
Other types of common forms of passive income include: workers’ compensation benefits, payments from pension/retirement plans, stock dividends, court settlements, jury duty pay, tax-exempt trust fund payments, royalties, contest prizes, and inheritance.
If you have questions about the benefits of passive income and whether they impact the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process, you can contact The Khaki Law Firm by reaching out via our website.
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
3560 Old Milton Parkway,
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
3355 Lenox Road,
Suite 750
Atlanta, GA 30326
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
533 Johnson Ferry Rd
Suite D-450
Marietta, GA 30068
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
593 Main St,
Suite B,
Suwanee, GA 30024
Atlanta Divorce Law Group
5755 North Point Pkwy
Suite 206
Alpharetta, GA 30022