Navigating short-term disability can be financially challenging, but exploring supplementary income avenues can alleviate the strain. Balancing health concerns with financial stability is crucial during this period. In this guide, we’ll explore practical and ethical ways to make extra money while on short-term disability, ensuring individuals can maintain a sense of financial independence without compromising their well-being.
From remote opportunities to skill-based gigs, we’ll explore diverse options tailored to accommodate varying abilities and circumstances. Let’s empower individuals to harness their skills and resources during this temporary setback, turning a challenging situation into an opportunity for financial resilience.
How to Make Extra Money While on Short-Term Disability
There are different ways to make money while on a short-term disability; let’s look at some of them:
1. Start Blogging
Crafting high-quality blog posts on your website can prove lucrative if you have the time to invest. With sufficient traffic, your blog could become a source of passive income, offering a constructive use of your time. Unlike many ventures, blogging demands minimal initial investment, yet the potential returns are enduring. It presents a dual opportunity: not only can you earn money, but you can also engage in a meaningful and sustainable way of utilizing your time.
2. Apply for Government Program
Applying for federal government programs managed by the Social Security Administration is a proactive step to ease the financial strain of a prolonged disability. While SSI and SSDI programs can assist, assessing whether these benefits adequately cover living expenses is essential.
Typically, as of April 2021, the average monthly amount granted through Social Security Disability Insurance stands at $1,455.67. It’s crucial to note that eligibility criteria are stringent, making it uncommon for short-term disability benefits to be granted for injuries resulting from workplace accidents.
3. Freelancing
Leverage your skills to offer freelance services online. Craftiness is not a prerequisite; marketable skills can open doors to freelance work on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Consider these possibilities:
- If you’re proficient in writing and can work from a laptop despite your injury.
- If you have a means of mobility, you can engage in freelancing as a photographer, capturing photos and videos.
- Leverage skills in translation, video animation, graphic design, or data entry.
- If you possess a captivating voice, explore opportunities in voice-over work, even while recovering from an injury.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr connect freelancers with clients seeking various services, from writing to graphic design.
4. Sell Your Belongings
If your workplace lacks income replacement options or you don’t qualify, an alternative is selling your possessions online. Individuals are willing to purchase items they already own, providing a source of income.
Various platforms facilitate these transactions, including Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and others. It’s important to note that these platforms typically impose a modest fee on sales. Alternatively, some opt for garage sales at their residences as a fee-free method of selling items for cash.
5. Participate in Online Surveys
Engaging in online surveys can be a viable income option, mainly if mobility is a constraint. Numerous websites collaborate with businesses aiming to enhance their offerings. Platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Opinion Outpost offer rewards or cash for participating in surveys from the comfort of your home.
Seize the opportunity to sign up for reputable survey websites, complete these surveys, and reap the advantages of cash or prizes. While it may not be a substantial income, it can contribute to your disability.
6. Rent out Assets
Additional income is plausible by renting out assets like a room in your residence, contingent on your location. Establish a screening process to verify potential tenants with positive references and stable employment. Alternatively, explore Airbnb to rent your house, apartment, tent, or individual rooms. Given your location, this could be a lucrative opportunity worth considering.
7. Sell Handmade Crafts
Individuals skilled in crafts can craft and market items on platforms like Etsy. Trending products encompass sticker decals, cookies, greeting cards, and handmade blankets through crochet or knitting. Establish an online store to facilitate global purchases of your handmade creations. Quality craftsmanship attracts buyers, eliminating the need to hire employees while sustaining your family.
8. Become a Pet Sitter
If you are fond of pets and can handle them even while recovering from an injury, consider becoming a pet sitter using the Rover platform. This website facilitates opportunities to be a dog walker, provide overnight boarding for cats and dogs in your home, or host a doggy daycare.
You can set your hours and determine your charges based on the job.
Additionally, you can select to care for specific types of animals or cater to particular sizes, offering a personalized and accommodating pet-sitting service.
9. Rent Your Driveway
Even without a vehicle, if you possess a sizable driveway, you can supplement your income by renting out that space. While it may not lead to substantial wealth, it’s a simple and effective way to earn additional dollars while awaiting benefit approvals.
In bustling areas with nearby businesses, professionals seeking consistent daily parking or individuals looking for a space to showcase a vehicle for sale during their work hiatus can become potential renters for your available space. This provides a practical and accessible means to generate extra income.
10. Start Trading Online
For those intrigued by stocks, options, futures, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, or various assets, utilizing your limited capital for market trading can be a means to earn income during your recovery from injuries or illnesses. However, it’s crucial to refine your trading strategy thoroughly before investing your funds to ensure a prudent approach.
Conclusion
Navigating short-term disability doesn’t have to be a financial challenge solely; it can be an opportunity for resourcefulness. Whether through freelancing, online surveys, or exploring government programs, individuals can harness various avenues to supplement their income during this period.
Crafting handmade items for sale, participating in the gig economy, or renting out available spaces are practical options. Additionally, exploring the realm of online trading requires caution but can be rewarding with a well-honed strategy. Ultimately, the key lies in adapting to one’s circumstances, leveraging skills, and discovering innovative ways to ensure financial stability while on short-term disability.