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.
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Tags: Disability, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Miguel D.
I am partly disabled and only able to work 40 hours a week can social security help me with extra income while partly disable, I have been partly disabled for over a year.
Ray F.
Hello Miguel. The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death.
See “What We Mean By Disability” for more information. Thanks!
diana h.
I have reduced my hours due to intense 8-10 level of pain and barely able to work .I make under 1000.00 a month and I changed positions withen my employment three times they are veven willing to write a letter to support me and show how debilitating it is for me.I also lost my healthcare and can no longer afford my back specialist.Can I file for disability?
Ray F.
Hello Diana, the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits as soon as they become disabled. You can apply online, which is quick and easy. You can also apply by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks!
frederick E.
Owner: Frederick Conner/Youtube
frederick E.
Owner:Frederick E.Conner/youtube
Rebecca K.
I am on Social Security and have worked since I was 18 years old. I have recently become sick and unable to work and need to supplement my income. What or who can I contact to find employment. I am 78 and still able to do something to help myself. I have a friend that receives Disability from Social Security and she is really not disabled and could work but refuses to try to do anything, would rather live off the government. I lost my job on 02/28/2018 and no one will hire me due to my age, I am afraid of being homeless and having to live on the street without my Medicare which I need for my disease. (Wegener’s Granulomatosis w/polyanglitis is what I was diagnosed with last August 2017) Please send me what information you have that will assist me.
Jason F.
I’m not getting enough to make it I have 2 children to help support. $627 a month is not enough for me. Please help I have epilepsy chronic kidney disease and a soft bone disease.
Gloria J.
I got approved for SSA and i got my first payment in Aug 2019 but haven’t received my back payment and every thing is done I need my money my na.e is Gloria J Boyd
Keith B.
Hi my name is Keith Berryman and I work for the Dallas Lighthouse for the blind and visually impaired. I have applied several times for disability. I am legally blind. But my case worker told me I am not legally blind. I can’t drive a car anymore and I can’t go to movies and I have someone help me with walking at night . I Signed papers for the state and federal government stating that I’m legally blind to the Dallas lighthouse they sent me to a doctor that said I’m legally blind. There are a lot of people here that aren’t on disability that should be. I hope you can help us out.
Sincerely
Keith Berryman
Wil O.
I’d like to speak with someone to ask questions about working while disabled. Specifically, continued education and maintaining medicare. I do not work now because I would not have medical treatment which I require. I need a call with a real person to discuss. My number is +1 510.219.2710.
Elda E.
Thank you for this website.
I have hearing loss that requires me to wear hearing aides. I still work to made ends meet. The company provides equipment to help me do my job, how disabled do I need to show for disability assistance ?