If you are on Social Security Disability benefits now and want to return to work, you may be able to do so. In fact, the Social Security Administration does want to help people get back to work if and when they are able to support themselves.
The Ticket to Work program is designed for cases like yours. You may not yet know if you will be able to sustain employment or work regularly, but if you want to consider going back to work, the Ticket to Work program is a good place to start. This program supports career development for people who currently receive SSDI but who would like to go back to work and become financially independent from SSDI.
Along with this program, you may want to participate in the Plan for Achieving Self-Support program, or PASS. It lets you set aside some resources and income while you start working, which allows you to pay for services or items you’ll need to reach your work goals.
Will you lose your Social Security Disability benefits if you return to work?
If you’re participating in the Ticket to Work program, you can keep your current SSDI benefits and Medicare for at least nine months, no matter how much you earn. This is called a Trial Work Period (TWP.)
If you continue working past the TWP, you will still qualify for benefits if your income is below what SSA considered “substantial gainful activity.” In addition, if your benefits are terminated due to income but you later have a relapse of your condition, you will qualify for expedited reinstatement of your benefits and temporary payments while you work through the process.
These are some things to consider if you are interested in returning to work. The programs are there to help guide you without risking your benefits.