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

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Comments

  1. BOBBIE F.

    i get a check every month how much am i allowed to make if i work part time

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Bobbie. Thank you for your question. Social Security has special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. These are called work incentives.

      For SSDI beneficiaries, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) and then an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During this period, you will receive your full disability benefit regardless of how much you earn as long as your work activity is reported and you continue to have a disabling impairment. In 2020, any month in which earnings exceed $910 is considered a month of the 9-month trial work period.

      Once you’ve completed your TWP, you get a 36-month safety net called the EPE. During the EPE, you get benefits for all months your earnings or work activities are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment. Social Security will suspend cash benefits for months earnings are over SGA and start benefits again if earnings fall below the SGA level. In 2020, you are earning SGA if your earnings, after any allowable deductions, are more than $1,260 in a month.

      Check out Social Security’s Red Book for descriptions of the many work incentives.

  2. Vincent V.

    I have a friend who is receiving an SSI benefit, he is 23 years old. His father passed away and he is a beneficiary for his dad’s life insurance, will that affect his SSI eligibility?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Vincent, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. Because SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, any changes to income or resources must be reported. Check out of Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what needs to be reported to Social Security if receiving SSI. We hope this is helpful.

  3. Skyla S.

    i am 17 years old and on Social Security Disability. I’ve been on it since birth. but i live in Georgia but i want to get a job. but i’m not sure if i can because i get a check every month for 700 something dollars. but i want a job can or could i get one?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Skyla, thank you for your question. Social Security has special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. These are called work incentives. Check out Social Security’s Red Book for descriptions of the many work incentives.

  4. Earl

    I just want to know how many hours some one is allowed to work and still get there SSDI

    • Vonda V.

      Hi there. Thank you for your question. Social Security has special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. These are called work incentives.

      For SSDI beneficiaries, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) and then an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During this period, you will receive your full disability benefit regardless of how much you earn as long as your work activity is reported and you continue to have a disabling impairment. In 2020, any month in which earnings exceed $910 is considered a month of the 9-month trial work period.

      Once you’ve completed your TWP, you get a 36-month safety net called the EPE. During the EPE, you get benefits for all months your earnings or work activities are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment. Social Security will suspend cash benefits for months earnings are over SGA and start benefits again if earnings fall below the SGA level. In 2020, you are earning SGA if your earnings, after any allowable deductions, are more than $1,260 in a month.

      For more information about the ways we can help you return to work, check out our brochure “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help” and visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability for more information.

  5. Annissa P.

    I’ve been working part-time for about five years, as I kept a track of my earnings. Since the onset of the pandemic “Coronavirus” my job was able to remain open until today. My question that I’m not sure about is: “Are Social Security Disability recipients able to apply for unemployment to supplement the amount of money that was earned by working part-time?”

  6. AFTAB M.

    Thank you. This is very helpful.Interesting

  7. Susan P.

    I am trying to find out how much I can earn while on SSD…

  8. Barbara

    How much money can i make and maintain my social security benefits?

  9. stanley k.

    i know lady that keep her fpood stamps away from her brouther that keeps the kids sghes faking disabilty and she goes fishing throwing a cast net driving a 4 wheeler and working on a job cautch stealing money out of safe when shes on disabilty has not got a card to work

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Stanley. Thanks for your concern. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, visit here to learn what information you need to submit a fraud report. We hope this helps.

  10. alan

    how much monet does ssi take per dollar income

Comments are closed.