I’m on Disability. Can I Work and Keep My Benefits?
Yes, you can work and keep your disability benefits –for a while.
You may be thinking that it would be great to make some money on your own again. But, if getting disability benefits was a hard-won ordeal, you may feel hesitant to try working again for the fear of losing the cash you count on every month. You may not even feel sure that you can handle a job.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) understands this, which is why they provide a program to help people with disabilities get back to work without losing benefits, including Medicare coverage.
It’s called the “Ticket to Work” program. It provides employment resources and training opportunities so that, if you want to work but don’t know how to look for work that suits your situation, you’ve got resources to help you.
What can you expect if you want to try the program?
• SSA gives you a “ticket”
• Your ticket gives you access to free training and job referrals to help you get a job.
• The period of time you try working is called a Trial Work Period, or TWP.
• If you earn $720 or more in one month, (the 2010 earnings amount) it’s called a TWP month.
• You need to earn nine TWP months within a 60-month rolling period. These months do not have to be consecutive.
• The trial work period is a test period for you. And, all the while, you keep your benefits.
You don’t have to participate in the Ticket to Work program, but it does provide a great opportunity to help you if you want to try working again.
There’s more to know. Click here to find out what happens to your benefits after your test time is over and you’re gainfully earning again.
I had back surgery twice and severe arthrtis puls a knee replacement. I have depression and would like to be able to get away from my home and do something to get out of my depression mode. How do I get the ticket to work.
Thank you
Can i work from home selling items on EBAY will this type of income be a problem.
Larry,
You can work while receiving SSDI during a Trial Work Period (TWP). You can work for nine non-consecutive months within the first 60 months and earn a monthly income of up to $1,040 and still receive SSDI benefits. When the trial work period has ended, and you are working, you will no longer receive disability benefits for any month in which you earn more than substantial gainful allowance (SGA), which again is $1,040. If you are going to work, please keep in mind you cannot make more than this gross amount. Good luck.