If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you likely want to ensure that you continue to keep those benefits. For many people who are unable to work, these benefits are an essential source of financial support and can relieve a tremendous amount of stress. While this is true, it’s also understandable to wonder if there is a way you might earn additional income while continuing to receive benefits. The good news is that the Social Security Administration wants to encourage you to do so. In fact, the SSA offers a number of incentives for those attempting to return to work. Let’s take a look at a few together.
Trial Work Period
In offering a trial work period, the Social Security Administration recognizes that returning to work may be difficult in many ways. Even for those who are very motivated and want to reintegrate into the workforce, there is certainly a period of adjustment and adaptation. As a result, the Social Security Administration created the trial work period in order to give disabled individuals a certain length of time to attempt to adjust to returning to work while still also receiving the disability benefits that they need for financial stability.
Typically, the trial work period is nine months, spread out over a period of no more than five years. The months do not necessarily have to be consecutive. An individual may attempt to work for a couple of months and then decide that a particular job is not a good fit. In that case, disability benefits would continue as normal and an individual would then have seven remaining months over the five-year period to attempt to return to work again.
After the trial work period ends, an individual has the option to transition to full-time work if they can do so. If not, disability benefits should typically continue as normal.
The Ticket to Work Program
Another popular work incentive the Social Security Administration offers is the Ticket to Work program. Essentially, this is a program intended to offer encouragement and assistance to individuals ages 18 to 64 who want to attempt to return to work.
When individuals participate in the Ticket to Work program, they can continue to receive their disability benefits at the regular scheduled time as well as any other benefits like Medicaid and Medicare that they need. Participating in Ticket to Work is free and voluntary.
Those who choose to enroll in Ticket to Work will receive assistance and resources for job-related matters like:
- Vocational rehabilitation
- On-the-job training
- Networking and job search services
- Assistance with necessary accommodations on the job
- And various other types of employment support.
Those interested in learning more about the Ticket to Work program can visit www.choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work helpline at 1–866–968–7842.
Are There Limits on How Much You Can Earn?
While those who successfully return to work can receive disability benefits for a limited amount of time, they will ultimately be unable to continue receiving them for the long term. Ultimately, there are limits on how much an individual can earn after finishing the Ticket to Work program or trial work period.
This income woman is known as the “substantial gainful activity” limit, or SGA limit for short. This is a limit established by the Social Security Administration and adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and various other economic factors. In 2024, the SGA limit is $1550 for a disabled individual who is not blind and $2590 for a blind person.
If you are disabled and attempting to return to work, once you earn an income over these limits, you will no longer be able to do that and continue to collect disability benefits simultaneously. In the future, those who stop working as a result of their disability may be able to reapply for benefits, depending upon their particular circumstances.
Ultimately, returning to work may only be an option for some. Those who can do so may find it worth pursuing, at least for the duration of the trial work period or participation in the Ticket to Work program. If you have additional questions about a potential return to work or any other issues involving disability benefits, at GCC Law, we are here for you.
GCC LAW – HERE FOR YOU
At GCC Law, we understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits. Just as importantly, we are passionate about helping our clients do all they can to pursue those benefits and fully assert their rights under the law. We know that being disabled is difficult. While we can’t take your disability away, we can make an effort to help you pursue the benefits you need and deserve as you adjust to life with that disability. We are here for you and ready to help. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.