Disability, SSI

Working While Disabled — Social Security Can Help

August 2, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

man sitting in wheelchair

For millions of people, work isn’t just a source of income. It’s a vital part of who they are – it gives them purpose and pride. It’s a connection to community. We’re here to help you get back to work if you’re disabled.

If you’re getting Social Security disability benefits, we have good news for you. Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you if you’re interested in working. Special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work – and still receive monthly payments.

The Ticket to Work program may help you if you’d like to work.  You can receive:

  • Free vocational rehabilitation.
  • Training.
  • Job referrals.
  • Other employment support.

You can read more about working while receiving disability benefits on our Ticket to Work Program page.

Work incentives include:

  • Continued cash benefits for a time while you work.
  • Continued Medicare or Medicaid while you work.
  • Help with education, training, and rehabilitation to start a new line of work.

If you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits or SSI, let us know right away when you start or stop working. This is also important if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits.

If you returned to work, but you can’t continue working because of your medical condition, your benefits can start again. Plus, you may not have to file a new application.

You can learn more about the Ticket to Work program by reading our publication, Working While Disabled: How We Can Help.

Part of securing today and tomorrow is giving you the tools to create a fulfilling life. Getting back to work might be part of that. We’re here with a ticket to a secure tomorrow.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. steve g.

    i need to know how to cancel my ssi i keep calling but dont get through is there a online service that i could cancel ssi thank you steve ersek email lori2867991@yahoo.com

  2. Brandon G.

    How much can i make while being on ssi with full time hours for a job whats the limit of money i can make

  3. elaine

    I just want to know how much I can earn without affecting the lowering of my present benefits?

  4. Angela M.

    Where is information on the PASS program?

  5. Edward G.

    If I work part-time and still receive SSA disability checks, is it possible to talk to someone face-to-face at a Social Security office.

    • V.V.

      Edward, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. Individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income may use the my Social Security online wage reporting tool. However, if you need to report self-employment earnings, you cannot do that online. You can report your income and speak to a representative by visiting or calling your local Social Security Office.

      See Reporting Wages Online for more information.

  6. Talisha K.

    How much can someone on SSDI monthly benefit of $793 work and earn above their monthly benefit without affecting the monthly benefit amount?

    Is there an organization, job search company, etc. who will help me find employment based on physical capabilities, while keeping me within my income limit, so I do not affect my monthly SSDI benefit

    • A.C.

      Hi, Talisha. Thank you for your questions. 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. For 2019, those limits are: $2,040 for blind individuals; or $1,220 a month if you are not blind. For more information on working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, click here.
      Whether you are receiving Social Security or SSI, you may be able to work. Learn more information by reading our publication, Working while Disabled- How We Can Help. We hope this helps.

  7. Jacquline H.

    Hello…I was receiving social security disability the past 6 years while on my husbands medical insurance. He retired, and I now have part b and I need help with part d

  8. Scott

    can you volunteer from home if your on SSD

    • A.C.

      Thanks for your question, Scott. Beneficiaries may do some volunteer work, attend school, and retrain without losing benefits, but you must notify us when you decide to participate in these activities. In addition, we have special rules that allow you to work temporarily without losing monthly Social Security disability benefits. Learn more information by reading our publication, Working while Disabled- How We Can Help. We hope this helps!

  9. Nicole

    Not an option for us to spend a lot on costumes.
    My son wore a superman costume that had been a birthday gift from his uncle.

  10. trevor j.

    in the past ive taken care of my mom at home n been paid she left n went into nursing facility but she is back home dec17 n im gonna try to take care of her agian but idont know who o contact im currently on hold with ss number in my letter with an hour n 15 min wait time i cant find anyone else to help me report my statues has changed to trial work which im told im allowed olease help 5403350822

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