Can You Contribute To An IRA If You Are On SSDI?
Friday, October 11th 2024
When discussing financial planning and income security, two key elements that often come to the forefront are Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). An IRA is a tax-advantaged investment tool designed to help individuals save for retirement, while SSDI is a benefit program that provides income to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. A usual question that arises is whether one can contribute to an IRA while receiving SSDI benefits.
Understanding the basics of both IRAs and SSDI is the first step towards answering this question. After that, we can dive deeper into the specifics, the legalities, and the possible strategies for individuals in this situation.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
An IRA allows individuals to make tax-deferred contributions towards their retirement. There are different types of IRAs, namely Traditional and Roth IRAs, each with their unique tax advantages.
Traditional IRAs permit pre-tax contributions, which lowers your taxable income in the year of contribution. The trade-off is that distributions during retirement are taxed as ordinary income.
On the other hand, Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars. While this doesn’t provide an immediate tax benefit, it allows for tax-free distributions during retirement, provided certain conditions are met.
There are, however, eligibility criteria for contributing to an IRA. One of the main requirements is that you must have earned income, either from wages or self-employment. Earned income does not include investment or interest income, pensions, annuities, or, notably, Social Security benefits, including SSDI.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federally run benefits program that provides aid to people who are physically restricted in their ability to be employed because of a notable disability. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes and is available to individuals who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits.
SSDI recipients usually need these benefits to cover day-to-day expenses, as their disability often prevents them from having a significant source of earned income. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how other financial planning strategies, such as contributing to an IRA, can mesh with SSDI benefits.
Can You Contribute to an IRA while on SSDI?
Now that we have a basic understanding of both IRAs and SSDI let’s address the question at hand. Can you contribute to an IRA while on SSDI?
The simple answer is: It depends.
As stated earlier, one of the prerequisites for contributing to an IRA is having earned income. SSDI benefits, however, are not classified as earned income. Consequently, if SSDI is your only source of income, you wouldn’t be eligible to contribute to an IRA.
However, if you have other sources of earned income while also receiving SSDI, you can contribute to an IRA. For instance, if you’re able to do some amount of work despite your disability, or if you have a spouse who earns income, you can contribute to an IRA. The total amount of your, or your spouse’s earned income, would then determine the maximum contribution you can make to the IRA.
Strategies for Contributing to an IRA while on SSDI
Having understood the rules, let’s now explore some strategies for individuals on SSDI who wish to contribute to an IRA.
- Spousal IRA contributions: A working spouse can contribute to a non-working spouse’s IRA, provided they file a joint tax return. This is known as a spousal IRA contribution. The working spouse’s earned income must be at least equal to the total IRA contributions made on behalf of both spouses.
- Partial work: The Social Security Administration (SSA) does allow SSDI recipients to earn a limited amount of income from work without affecting their benefits, a concept known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). As of 2021, this amount was $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 for blind individuals, but these amounts are subject to annual adjustments. If you can earn income within these limits, that income can be used to fund an IRA.
Implications of Contributing to an IRA while on SSDI
Before deciding to contribute to an IRA while on SSDI, it is crucial to understand the potential implications:
- Impact on SSDI benefits: Firstly, it’s essential to monitor your earned income carefully if you are working while on SSDI. If your income exceeds the SGA limits, you could lose your SSDI benefits. Therefore, if you are considering this route, it is recommended that you consult with a financial advisor or the SSA to ensure you fully understand the rules and avoid jeopardizing your benefits.
- Tax considerations: Contributing to an IRA could provide you with certain tax advantages, depending on the type of IRA you choose. Contributions to a Traditional IRA may lower your taxable income for the year, which could be beneficial if you have other taxable income in addition to SSDI. On the other hand, Roth IRA contributions won’t lower your current taxable income, but qualified distributions during retirement would be tax-free.
- Retirement savings: Although SSDI benefits provide necessary financial support, they might not be enough to maintain your standard of living during retirement, particularly if you have additional needs related to your disability. Contributing to an IRA can supplement your SSDI benefits in retirement and provide you with additional financial security.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while SSDI benefits do not qualify as earned income for IRA contributions, individuals on SSDI may still be able to contribute to an IRA under specific circumstances. If you have other sources of earned income or a working spouse, you might be eligible to contribute to an IRA.
However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential implications on your SSDI benefits and taxes before deciding to contribute to an IRA. Navigating these rules can be complex, and professional advice from a financial advisor or tax professional can be invaluable in making the best decision for your unique situation.
As financial landscapes continue to evolve, it remains essential to stay informed about the interplay between retirement savings strategies and benefit programs like SSDI. Ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information can help maximize your financial security and lead to better outcomes in your retirement years.
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2 Comments
Good to know it could have an impact on SSDI benefits…
Hi Brandon,
Yes, this is something to monitor closely in order to avoid undesired outcomes. Always consult a professional to make sure you invest in an optimal way.
Happy investing!