Living with a disability doesn’t mean you must disconnect from activities that bring you joy and purpose. Many people who receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits want to volunteer and give back to their communities. But first, it’s important to know how volunteering might affect your disability benefits.
How volunteer work impacts your disability claim
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at volunteer work the same way they look at paid jobs. They care more about what you can do, not whether you get paid or how much you get for it.
The SSA uses a measure called substantial gainful activity (SGA) to evaluate your ability to work. Even unpaid volunteer work may count as SGA if it shows you can perform job-like duties regularly. The SSA considers factors like the hours you spend volunteering and the physical or mental demands of your activities.
Smart ways to volunteer while protecting your benefits
You can participate in meaningful volunteer work while maintaining your SSD benefits. Consider these guidelines when choosing volunteer opportunities:
- Keep your volunteer time under 20 hours each week
- Pick activities that don’t conflict with your disability
- Document special accommodations you request or receive when volunteering
- Focus on light tasks that don’t need sustained physical or mental effort
Additionally, the SSA doesn’t count volunteer work for specific programs as SGA. This includes:
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program
- University Year for ACTION
- Foster Grandparent Program
Other programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act can also give you safe opportunities to serve your community without affecting your SSD benefits.
Make informed choices when volunteering
Volunteer work offers great ways to stay connected with your community and do meaningful activities while you can’t do your job. You shouldn’t feel discouraged from giving back in ways that work for you. But it pays to err on the side of caution.
Consider talking with a Social Security Disability attorney before starting any volunteer work. They can guide you in choosing activities that won’t put your claims application or benefits at risk.