Ways to Make Extra Money With Chronic Illness (Without a Daily Hustle)

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I'm trying to pay off debt, and an extra $10 helps. But some days, getting a shower and figuring out dinner is about all I've got.

I still want to make money. That part hasn't changed. What has changed is how much I can do and how often I can do it.

I've tried the $10 a day challenge more than once. I like having a goal, but I don't need something else to feel behind on when I'm already having a hard day.

So I look for things I can work around my health as much as possible. Some work for me. Some aren't worth the time or energy. And sometimes something that worked last month just isn't going to work this month.

Some days nothing comes in

I think we need to say that more often when we talk about making extra money.

You can list something and it doesn't sell. You can spend time looking into an opportunity and decide it isn't for you. Or you can wake up feeling awful and do none of it.

That doesn't mean you've failed.

I'm looking at what I can bring in over time. If I make a little extra this week, good. If I need to leave it alone for a few days, that's what I need to do.

What do you have the energy for?

Working from home sounds great until you realize there's still packing to do, messages to answer, or a deadline coming up when your body has other plans.

Here's a quick look at what these options involve.

You don't have to do all of them. I'd start with one and see how it goes.

1. Look around your house first

Before you spend money trying to make money, see what you already have.

Clothes you're not wearing. Books you've finished. Hobby supplies from something you were definitely going to get into. I know I'm not the only one with a few of those.

I've been reselling for years, and there's work involved. You take the pictures, write the listing, answer questions, and then pack it up or arrange pickup when it sells.

But you can start with one item. You don't need to go buy inventory or turn your spare room into a shipping department.

Look at what similar items have actually sold for, then think about what you'd keep after fees and shipping. Is it worth the effort? Sometimes it is. Sometimes I'd rather donate it and be done.

2. Take a look at mystery shopping

Mystery shopping is something I've explored too. It can be an option, but I want to know what I'm agreeing to before I accept anything.

Where do I need to go? What do I need to do? Is there something I have to buy? When is the report due? And how am I going to feel after doing all of that?

Also, money you're getting back for a required purchase isn't extra money you've earned. Keep the reimbursement and the pay separate so you know what you're actually making.

If you've been curious about it, I put together a free Beginner's Guide to Mystery Shopping with chronic illness in mind. It gives you a place to start without having to figure everything out on your own.

3. Think about what you already know how to do

Sometimes we overlook things because they come easily to us. Writing a listing, proofreading something, making a simple graphic, organizing information. Someone else may need help with the very thing you already know how to do.

I'd start small. One task you can explain clearly, with a deadline you can manage.

You can look at a site like Fiverr, but putting up a listing doesn't mean customers will show up right away. There are fees to check, messages to answer, and sometimes revisions to make.

Think about all of that when you decide what to charge and what you can take on. You don't want to promise something on a good day that you can't finish on a hard one.

Another small option if you prefer something you can do from your phone: 1Q pays small amounts for answering short questions when they become available. You might not receive questions regularly, so I wouldn’t count on it for steady income. But it’s something to look into if you have a few minutes here and there. That’s my referral link, and I may receive a referral reward if you sign up.

What about the other things I do?

I also blog, share affiliate links, and sell digital products. But those things take work, and the money isn't guaranteed.

I wouldn't want someone starting a blog thinking it's going to pay a bill due Friday. You can put a lot of time into something before it brings anything in.

If it's something you enjoy and want to explore, that's different. Just give yourself a realistic picture of what you're getting into before spending money on it.

What did you actually make?

A $20 sale looks good. But if $7 goes to fees and shipping, you have $13 left before any other costs or taxes that apply. If you bought the item to resell, that cost comes out too.

I want to know what I have left to work with. The sale notification only tells part of the story.

Write down what came in, what you spent, and what you're still waiting to be paid. A notebook is fine. You don't need another subscription to get started.

Then decide where it needs to go

I'd love for every extra dollar to go toward debt. But sometimes groceries need it first. Or something comes up, because of course it does.

Once the money is in your account and you've allowed for expenses and any taxes you need to set aside, decide what you can do with what's left.

If some can go toward a debt payment, write it down. It counts. Even if it's a smaller amount than you hoped.

I share more about this in How to Pay Off Debt on a Fixed Income Without Feeling Deprived.

A few details you don't want to skip

I know. This isn't the fun part. But knowing what to keep track of now can save you some confusion later.

Taxes depend on what the money is from

In the U.S., gig and freelance income generally needs to be reported even if you don't receive a tax form. Selling a used personal item for less than you paid is different: that sale generally doesn't create taxable income, and the personal loss isn't deductible. A gain on a personal item is generally taxable.

Keep records and check the IRS gig economy guidance and guidance on selling personal items and Form 1099-K. A tax professional can help with your situation.

If you receive disability or other benefits

Check your program's rules before assuming an amount is safe to earn. SSDI and SSI have different rules, and self-employment can involve more than the amount deposited in your account.

Social Security requires reporting changes in work and income. Start with its work and income reporting information, and ask Social Security or a qualified benefits counselor how your plans may affect your benefits.

You can decide something isn't for you

Even if other people love it. Even if they say they're making good money. Their health, time, expenses, and responsibilities may look very different from yours.

I want to know whether I can pause, whether I can meet the deadline, and whether what I might earn is worth what it takes out of me.

And if someone wants you to pay to unlock earnings or send money back from a check they've given you, stop. Wanting extra money doesn't mean you need to ignore something that feels off.

If you'd like more ideas

I put together Extra Cash Without Leaving the Couch for people who want to explore making extra money but need to work around limited energy.

If that's where you are too, you can take a look at the guide here.

And if you just want somewhere to keep track of what comes in, my $10 a Day Challenge tracker is free. Use it however it works for you. Blank days are okay.

I'm still working on this myself. I want less debt and more room to enjoy my life. I also know I can't keep expecting my body to do everything I want it to do.

So I'll do what I can, when I can, and keep track of the progress along the way.

If you're working on this too, what's something you've tried that fits the energy you have?

In this together,
Laura