Working While Disabled — Social Security Can Help
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 15, 2021
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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Disability, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
PEDRO B.
WORKING WHILE ON DISABILITY:
IS THE $1,220.00 MONTHLY EARNINGS GROSS OR NET?
Pedro B.
While on disability, Are the monthly earnings for 2019, $1220 gross or net?
A.C.
Hi, Pedro. 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.
Whether you are receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (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.
Lisa A.
What is the amount of money you can earn without losing benefits if you are receiving SS benefits?
I need help getting around in the house …are there services that I can have someone paid to live in with me and help me.
Gregory Y.
I cannot find on your site Were to report starting work
Donna L.
I plan on working and I’m on disability. I will earn less than $800 a month. How will this affect my disability and what do I need to do?
L.A.
Hi Donna, thank you for your question. 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 limits. For 2019, those limits are: $2,240 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 titled “Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.” We hope this helps.
Kathy
If you return to work and your income is lower than your income before you were disabled as an example: Will this lower your amount of Social Security benefits you can draw? If you can work this lower paying job for 6 years before your retirement date. Using the example salaries of $75,000 before disabled and $32,000 after you are disabled going back into the work force?
Thank You.
A.C.
Hi, Kathy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Georgann A.
How much am I able to make in wages a year with Disability social security and for what period of time?
A.C.
Hi, Georgann. 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 Supplemental Security Income (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.
TERRI C.
I am the representative payee / guardian of my grandson, Sebastian A Johnson, SS# *** – ** – ***.
He has recently obtained a part time job through the Texas Workforce Commission at Helping Hands in Rockwall Texas.
He began 6/10/19 and it will end 7/26/19.
Im not sure who to report this to.
Terri Crawford4696443303
Arthur K.
Why my Disability Stop send me the massage my SS-
A.C.
Hi, Arthur. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
brenda D.
does sleep apnea and glaucoma qualify for disability benefits.
A.C.
Hi, Brenda. Thanks for your question. Social Security pays disability benefits to people if they have a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. We use the same five-step process to make a decision on each application. You may also find our listing of impairments useful. If you feel that you meet our definition of disability, you can apply online. We hope this information helps.