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As tax season approaches, mailboxes (both digital and physical) start filling up with forms, and questions about earnings and benefits naturally arise. At Harrell Law, we see a significant increase in calls this time of year from individuals looking for specific earning records or tax documents.
While we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of disability law, there are certain limits to what we can access and what advice we can give. This guide is designed to help you find the documents you need quickly and clear up some common confusion regarding income sources and your disability claim.
We Are Here to Help, But We Aren’t the SSA
One of the most common misunderstandings we encounter is callers mistaking our office for the Social Security Administration (SSA). We frequently receive requests for specific earning records or account payment statements for tax purposes.
It is important to clarify that Harrell Law is a private law firm. While we represent clients in claims against the SSA, we do not have direct access to the administration’s internal database of your personal tax documents. Due to the strict sensitivity of the information held in your my Social Security (mySSA) account, we are not allowed access to anyone’s account—even if we represent them in a claim.
How to Get Your Tax Documents
If you need a statement of your account payments or your specific earning records for tax filing, you have two primary options:
- The Fast Way (Online): The most efficient method is to log in to your personal my Social Security account. From your dashboard, you can instantly download and print the forms you need.
- The Slow Way (In-Person): You can visit a local SSA claims office to request these documents. However, be aware that this process can be intensely cumbersome, often involving long wait times.
Quick Links for Essential Forms
To save you time, here are direct links to the specific resources you might need right now:
- Tax Forms (SSA-1099/1042S): If you need to report your Social Security benefits on your tax return, you can access your 1099 form directly here: Get Your Tax Form.
- Benefit Verification Letter: Sometimes you need proof of income for things other than taxes, such as applying for public benefits (like SNAP, LIHEAP, or Housing Choice Vouchers) or for family court matters like calculating child support. You can download a “benefit verification” statement here: Get Benefit Letter.
Non-Work Income and Your Disability Claim
Another major source of anxiety during financial planning involves “non-work” income. We speak to many people who are terrified that the money they received from sources other than a job will ruin their disability claim.
It is crucial to understand how the SSA defines “income” for different programs.
Title II Disability (SSDI) vs. Non-Work Income
For Title II Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA is primarily concerned with money received from actual work completed. When they calculate whether you are earning above the allowed maximum monthly earnings (Substantial Gainful Activity), they generally do not consider “non-work dollars.”
This means that money collected from the following sources typically will not impact your eligibility for Title II disability:
- Severance packages
- PTO buyouts
- Personal injury awards
- Short-term or long-term disability benefits
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- FMLA payments
- Child support payments
- Inheritances
- Lottery winnings
The Critical Exception: Title XVI (SSI)
However, there is a major exception. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—which is a needs-based program under Title XVI—the rules are completely different.
For SSI, almost any income or asset counts. Those items listed above (inheritances, lottery winnings, settlements) absolutely do count as assets and income against Title XVI SSI benefits—receiving them can reduce your monthly payment or disqualify you entirely. It’s important to understand that both Title II (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI) require you to meet the same strict disability criteria—SSA’s (sometimes heartless) definition means you must be expected to have the same impairment for at least 12 months or have a terminal diagnosis. The main difference is whether or not you are “insured” for benefits, based on your work history. SSI is a “two prong” program; you have to meet both the medical disability requirements and strict financial limits to qualify. That’s why it’s vital to know which program you’re under to understand how extra money or assets may affect you.
A Note on Professional Advice
While we can explain how income affects your disability eligibility, we are attorneys, not accountants.
Disclaimer: Harrell Law is not a tax firm and we are not providing financial or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. For specific questions regarding your tax filings, deductions, or how to report income to the IRS, please contact a certified public accountant (CPA) or a qualified tax professional.
Navigating the intersection of taxes, income, and disability benefits can be tricky. By using your mySSA account effectively and understanding which income sources actually matter for your specific claim, you can get through tax season with a little less stress.
