Should I get a part time job or just stick with volunteer work?

Question

Okay so I've been on SSI disability for a while. I currently volunteer at a school in a sixth grade class. at first it was for migrate in my education class in college. the 6th grade teacher told me that I'm more than welcome to volunteer work as long as I want to. I want to get a part time job maybe like two or three times a week 45 hours. I'm afraid that I'm going to go to jail once I start working and report them. so sure to take the volunteer working?

Answer 1

You are required to report any work activity within ten days of working and you can do this by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting or writing your nearest social security office. If you write, include your social security number on the correspondence. Include the name and address of your employer, days worked per week, hours per day and rate of pay. If you stop working report that as well.



As long as you don't earn $1090 a month disability isn't in jeopardy. However if you get SSI, half of what you earn over $85 a month will reduce the SSI benefit. Keep paystubs as you need to provide them on a monthly basis. If you work in May send in your May paystubs in June. If you work in June send the June paystubs in in July, etc.



I will say this though. Volunteer work has a monetary value and when they do the next medical reveiw the value of that work will be counted. If the value of your volunteer work plus any work you do for which you are actually paid comes to $1090 a month or more your disability benefits will be terminated because you have shown that you are capable of being gainfully employed.



The volunteer work won't affect your monthly benefit as long as you are entitled but it could result in benefits being terminated under the conditions indicated in the paragraph above.



Source: I was a social security claims rep for 32 yrs.

Answer 2

A regular volunteer work position is just as credible as a regular paid job as long as you work consistent hours, are given some responsibility, and can get a supervisor to make a solid recommendation. It is better if you have an actual volunteer job description.



I have done a lot of volunteer work in my life. It is all on my resume as work. Jobs I have had as a volunteer say XXX (unpaid). I have always had more than one job in my life. I grew up in a family where volunteerism was part of everyone's life. Don't discount the value of volunteering when you are ready to be employed for pay.



That being said, do you need to earn money? Than get yourself a part-time job - just report the income. But if you don't really need the money while you are in college, your consistent dedication to this volunteer job may be worth more than the salary at a part-time job.

Answer 3

If you can work, you should work. Even part time work will look better on a resume than random volunteer work. What I mean by that is that if you're working a regular schedule, even if it's part time, it will look better on a resume than volunteer work where you might do 5 hours one week, then 10 the next week and then zero for the next two weeks, and then back to 5 hours again.

Answer 4

Keep doing the volunteer work, then put that activity on your resume'. Potential Employers love that extra effort.

Answer 5

If you are able to work and hold down a job.....more power to you!! Report your income and maybe you will not even need the benefits anymore.