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. Michael N.

    ,My name is Michael Nelson I’ve been out of work for two years due to my ongoing illness and was unable to work during the time I haven’t received no income or any direction on what to do is there help for me that I can’t go back to work soon I would ask if I can get any kind of Direction on what to do about my situation

  2. Richard D.

    Trying for disability after years on the books.paying taxes. How do I find out approximate monthly check once approved?

  3. Richard

    Can I qualify for Disability benefits after receiving regular Social Security benefits?

    • R.F.

      Hello Richard. You can apply for Disability Benefits before you reach your full retirement age. Disability payments are established at the highest rate possible, meaning you could get a higher monthly benefit amount. We can continue paying your retirement benefits while we consider your application and wait for a medical decision.
      If a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they will not be eligible for disability benefits.
      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.
      In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.
      For more information and to see if you should apply for disability benefits, we urge you to call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask one of our representatives to assist you. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
      We hope this information helps you.

  4. Michael

    I previously worked at Sam’s Club in Gilbert, AZ until I suffered a reported monor Stroke more than 18 months ago (March 2017). I need and am able to return to work thus returning to the work field. My question to you is as to how many hour a week and funds I am able to make while on Disability.. At this point, CROSSMARK only has one or two days a week available for work at $10.75/hr totaling 12 hrs. and this is well under the SSA allotment. My attorney, Dennis Kavanaugh informed me last week that I may work no more than 18-24 hrs and no more than three or four days per week to be well under the allotment set by SSA and still be considered for Disability which is currently set for a hearing by a Disability Judge.. Please advise me either via 602.751.1991 or mgaul2@cox.net. Who do I contact at SSA. once rehired by the workforce regarding the amount of reported hrs/money. I appreciate any assistance. Thank You.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, Michael. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2018, the SGA limit is $1,180 per month (or $1,970 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work.
      For specific questions, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly. Thanks!

  5. Sherry t.

    For the Love of Christ please allow my case to be heard I have waited a year and I am watching attics all around me get approved left and right are you serious I can’t even go out of my house my name is Sherry l truscello I cannot survive like this I have no one to help me please

  6. Darlene

    What happens if your disability gotten worse. How do you apply for more help financially.

  7. Sergio W.

    Ive done a disability claim back in june of 2017 that was denied twice once in november of 2017 so i appealed it and once in February of 2018 and i put in for a hearing right after that so about a week or 2 later i recieve a(n) letter stating that it’ll take up to 75 days for me to be notified the time and date that I’ll have to appear in court but every since that letter i havent recieved any info on it since that letter back in February. Its now oct and still nothing. Ive been diagnoised with HIV, Depression,anxiety, OCD and mild case of bipolar(Mood swings).and i was diagnosed with these back in mid 2017..i was admitted for suicidal action nd thoughts because of my status and conditions. Ive called,emailed and checked the status on their website and still nothing. Since then my condition has worsened since.

  8. alfonso

    a que beneficios extras de jubilación, podría acceder si entro en deshability por parte del par-time en mi trabajo

  9. Joan

    Why am I not allowed to receive disability just because I’m 71years old?
    I stopped working September 22, 2018, because I had Spinal Surgery September 24, 2018. I will be out of work for at least a year. I was still paying SSI and CA Disability.
    WHERE IS MY HELP, NOW, THAT I NEED IT??
    What can you do for me to help me pay my rent, my car payment, my everyday bills?
    WHY CAN’T I GET DISABILITY????
    Respectfully
    Joan Karr
    kachr922@aol.com

    • R.F.

      Under current law, if a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they will not be eligible for disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same.

  10. Tracy m.

    Hello I have been out of work since September 9th due to my Apes back surgery I am still not able to go back to work and have no income coming in I’m losing things fast is there any way that I can pull my social security disability that I’ve paid in this far in my life

    • R.F.

      Hello Tracy. 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.
      You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now, you can apply online. Thanks!

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