Disability, General, Medicare

Social Security Celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 21, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 9, 2022

Man standing This year, we celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Social Security, we’re committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the many ways it improves the lives of our beneficiaries. That’s why we’re celebrating and sharing Matt’s story.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.

That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Matt’s service provider told him about the ADA and how it guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination in the workplace. It accomplishes these goals through:

  • Anti-discrimination rules that prevent private employers from discriminating against qualified people with disabilities when they apply for jobs.
  • Regulations that require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.

Matt and his service provider identified accommodations that would allow him to demonstrate his capabilities both during the application process and on the job. They created a plan for him to disclose his disability and request accommodations.

Since Matt also wanted to know how his employment might affect his benefits, his Benefits Counselor told him about our Work Incentives. These rules and programs make it easier for adults with disabilities to enhance their job skills while maintaining access to benefits.

Matt also learned that our Medicare-Related Work Incentive allows him to pursue a career without worrying about health care coverage. Matt’s Medicare coverage will continue for more than seven years after he begins full-time work, even if his income exceeds the amount to qualify for disability benefits.

And if Matt’s disability interfered with work, he could return to receiving benefits without having to file a new application through our Expedited Reinstatement Work Incentive.

Matt now works full-time as a human resource analyst. Thanks to the ADA, he received accommodations for the interview process and on the job. He also found that the Ticket Program helped him find a path to a better future.

The Ticket Program is here to help no matter where you are on your career journey. To learn more, register for our free webinar, Ticket to Work and Reasonable Accommodations on July 27. For additional information, please visit choosework.ssa.gov.

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Comments

  1. Claudia

    SCAM FRAUD HUMAN TRAFFICKING TERRORIST PASS.FOR RETIREMENT OR FIRE FOR FRAUD ABUSE ALERT CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY SEX TRAFFICKING CALIFORNIA MURDER OCCURR IN YES

  2. Norman Y.

    I am retired and draw Social Security. I have also been declared Disabled due to several medical issues. My question is: If I were to register with Soc Sec as a disabled person, would I be able to draw more monthly benefits than just standard work retirement SS benefits? If so, what do i need to do to register for this benefit?
    Thanks
    Norman

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Norman. We are sorry to hear about your condition. We pay disability benefits to people under their full retirement age who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death. Once people reach full retirement age, we pay them their retirement benefits. For specific questions regarding your potential benefits, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

      • Darren J.

        I’m telling you people ,you did not over pay me a fucken cent,and I will be coming in to the office with the proff that your trying to scam my payment.an show you all that your bunch of liers,and theifvs,on the highest level.

  3. Mary S.

    I’ve been disabled for many years. After my 66 birthday I was notified that I would be
    No longer classified as disabled
    But retired and receive SS ck
    It looks the same amount.
    My husband is just a little younger and still works. I don’t know when he will retire

    I pray we pass at the same time because I cant imagine either one of us living without the other. We don’t have children
    or anyone else to care for us but the Good Lord Jesus so I really am not worried

    However, after reading some articles here I am wondering
    Since I am more or less forced to retire early. God forbid my husband precedes me in death ,
    But if he does will that block me from receiving benefits under him of which I am sure will be higher because I’ve been disabled for 20 yrs ?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mary. Thanks for visiting our blog. The amount of your widow’s benefit is based on several factors, including: the earnings of your husband, when he started receiving his benefits, your age, and the amount of your own retirement benefit. We compare your own benefit with your potential survivor benefit. If your survivor benefit would be higher than your own current retirement benefit, you would be eligible for survivor benefits. For more information, please visit our Survivors Planner. We hope this helps. 

      • Elaine R.

        My Local Social Security Office Is Placing Fradulent OverPayment In The Amount Of 58,000 On My Record To Block My From Getting My Widow Benefits. I Paid 75,000 during the duration of 2000 To 2018, By The Social Security Withholding My Entire Spousal Benefits, My Minor Children SSDI Benefits Off Their Father Work Record And Taking My Husband Benefits Who Is Now Decease. I Have The Receipt For The 75,000. Now The SS Office That’s Located In Roseville Michigan Have Place An Additional 58,000 Overpayment On My Record And Suspended All Of My Widow Benefits. In Addition, Blocking Me From A Hearing. It’s Been 20 years And I’m Still Paying The Same Overpayment. How Long Will This Office Continue To Place Fraudulent Overpayment On Me All Because I Received 278.00 A Month At The Time. My Husband Only Receive A Pension And Social Security Disability Check. That Office Need To Be Investigate. My Phone Number Is 586-443-9645 Enough Is Enough

        • Ann C.

          Hi, Elaine. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call or visit. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  4. army

    Would someone at the SSA, please inform US retirees residing overseas, WHY they are required to provide a US stateside address, in order to sign-up for a My Social Security account on-line.
    Army Email

  5. betty

    I am inquiring about benefits for myself. I am 100% disabled, I have a condition called lymphedema among other problems. My husband had a severe stroke 6 years ago, I can no longer work due to his disability and mine as well. He receives disability, I have been told I was 100% disabled but cannot receive any benefits because I do not have enough work hours in. Can I draw off of his disability? Or is there anything I can do to get any compensation? Sometimes it gets pretty tough to juggle bills, food, ins. etc. Please help with info you can give me. Thank you

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Betty. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. To qualify as a spouse, you must be age 62 or older, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits, and if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit our Benefits Planner for more information. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

      • Faith s.

        Im on ssi alot of physcal and mental had enough 4 social security but got ssi sign up 4 ssdi can i get that compassion cheçk there giving out this yr 2022

  6. BRADLEY A.

    Hi my name is Brad and, I am 47 years old and disabled. I have been drawing my disability benefit for over 20 years and was cut off in Aug of 2021 due to an incorrect earnings posting of self employment income that has since been corrected. I really need to get my benefit started again but, have been unable to get any answers. Please help or advise in any way possible.

    Thank You

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Bradley. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next visit or call. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  7. Joanne L.

    Hi I am a 75 years old, I tool retired early retirement because of because of nervous breakdown from work, fell and had knee replacement now have 2 and have osteoporosis, and arthritis, How can I request for increase in social security.
    i am married, but my husband has a mental disability and still works. we see a therapisgt every other week.My husband has a cut in pay and change in position because of incidents,
    we don’t have any additional support. HELP, tried talking to medicare.went in dead end 6x

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Joanne. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. We do not base your Social Security benefit amount on the severity of your condition. We base it on your average lifetime earnings. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

  8. Kevin W.

    Hi. I’m on SSDI. If I get married could I make more money to support a family? Or what are the limits? Thanks.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kevin. Thanks for your question. If you are referring to Social Security disability benefits, special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. In 2022 those limits are: $2,260 for blind individuals; or $1,350 a month if you are not blind. For more information about working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps. 

    • HERMINIO C.

      SOY UN VETERANO DESABILITADO ANOS ATRAS LA PERSONA DECINADA POR EL SS SE APROVECHABA DE MI CONDICION , ME REQUERIA DINERO ,
      LO UTILISABS PARA SUS DEROCHES .
      CUANDO NO ADCEDIA A SUS PEDIDO TENIA PROBLEMAS ,
      ME ENSERABA EN EL HOSPITAL PARA ENFERMOS MENTALES EN EL HOSPITAL DE VETERANO DE MIAMI FLORIDA .
      USTEDES NUNCA ME ALLUDARON , NO LE INTERECE PORQUE ERA UN VETERANO CON PROBLEMAS MENTALES , DEPRESIVO , ESQUISOFRENICO Y MANIACO .

      GRASIAS A USDEDES TUBE QUE ENTRGARLE TODO MIS PROPIEDADES PARA LOGRAR MI DIVOLCIO Y MI LIBERTAD . VIVI EN LAS CALLES CONOSI ESA VIDA ,
      PERO SIEMPRE DIOS ME ACONPANO .HOY NOTENGO NADA ?!!
      PERO TENGO TODO , DIOS Y LA SAGRADA FAMILIA CONMIGO .

      EL DOLOR DE LA TRAICION PERMANECE .
      PERO SE QUE OBRE BIEN DE , ACUERDO A LAS LEYES DE DIOS Y NO LAS NUESTRAS .
      NUNCA HUBO VIOLENCIA , CONTRA LOS DEMAS , SI CONTRA MIGO MISMO
      SOY SOBREVIVIENTE DE SUICIDIO , HASTA ESO ME LLEBARON SUS ADCIONES Y LA DE USTEDE Y LA DE LOS SIQUIATRAS DE HOSPITAL DE VETERANO.
      DIOS ME SALVO .
      NO COMTRIBULLAN A LA MUERTE DE NUESTROS VETERANOS .
      NO PEDIMOS ;GRASIAS,HONORES ,NI SALUDOS ; SOLO QUEMOS NUESTRA HONRA Y DERECHOS

      MANANA PUEDEN SER SUS HIJOS E HIJAS .

      EL DOLOR SIEMPRE ESTA CONMIGO ….,

      MUCHAS BENDICIONES!!!!

  9. Suzi S.

    I am 75 yrs old and still had a writing career until December 2019. I had a severe accident that took half my hearing and one third of the vision in one eye. Although I’m on Social Security, without my additional work I’m suffering financially. Am I qualified for an increase in my SS? My husband had been in a memory care facility for almost eighteen years and gets a VA Pension and SS, it’s for his rent and necessities. Should I be receiving more income?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Suzi. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. We pay disability benefits to people under their full retirement age who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death. Once people reach full retirement age, we pay them their retirement benefits. However, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

       

       

  10. Steve

    I’m currently on disability as I’m classified as terminal cancer. I am currently 64 and I was told at age 65 my disability will convert to to social security no longer disability. Will my benefits be reduced to the current retirement at 65 rate ?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Steve. We are sorry to hear about your condition. When you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the benefit amount remains the same. We hope this helps. 

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