Social Security Myth 1

Programs and Support:

There is a lot of information to help you understand how working can fit into your life without jeopardizing your benefits.

• Social Security Administration (SSA) – Work Incentives Overview: Provides detailed information on various work incentives available for people receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Visit the Social Security Administration website to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Ticket to Work (TTW) Program: Free and voluntary program supports people in achieving their employment goals. Offers access to employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services at ChooseWork.ssa.gov.

• Disability Benefits 101 (DB101): Website to help people with disabilities understand the connections between work and benefits. DB101 will help you make informed choices and show you how you can make work part of your plan.

SSDI Specific Work Incentives:

Designed to support your journey, these incentives are like a safety net, allowing you to explore employment opportunities without fear of losing your critical support.

• Trial Work Period (TWP): Allows SSDI recipients to test your ability to work for nine months and still receive full benefits, regardless of earnings. Social Security Disability Insurance & Work

• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the TWP, beneficiaries have a 36-month period during which you can receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. Learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance Work Incentives.

• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If your benefits stop but work doesn’t work out, you can restart them without a new application (within 5 years).

SSI Specific Work Incentives:

SSI offers unique work incentives that help you build your independence while maintaining essential support, and to encourage your employment journey.

• Income Exclusions: Certain types of income are not counted when calculating SSI benefits. Earned Income Exclusion: First $85 of earnings + 50% of remaining earnings are not counted. Allows you to work and keep part of your benefits.

• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): Allows you to set aside income and resources for a specific work goal, helps reduce countable income, can be used for education, training, or starting a business.

• Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): Special income exclusion for students under 22, allows earnings without reducing SSI benefits, and encourages educational pursuits.

Practical Steps to Navigate Working and Benefits:

These practical steps will help you confidently manage your benefits while pursuing your career goals.

• Documentation and Communication: Whether on SSI or SSDI, when you begin working, you will be responsible to report all work and earnings to Social Security. Not only is it your responsibility, but this will minimize the chance of generating an overpayment in the future.

  • If you haven’t already, create your my SSA account to report wages and so much more. You may also have the option to report wages by using the Wage Reporting mobile app (for SSI only). Download here: Apple or Google Play.
  • If necessary, you can report your wages by calling, faxing, mailing, or bringing pay stubs to your local Social Security office. Find an office near you by visiting the Social Security office locator. You can report changes in your work activity by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday.
  • Important to note: Keep copies of your paystubs and/or detailed records of income and work hours; and report wages to SSA by the 6th of each month.

• Need Comprehensive Benefits Counseling?

  • DOR consumers: Visit the Department Of Rehabilitation website or ask your Counselor to refer you to a Work Incentive Planner (WIP) to get personalized guidance with clear, individualized information about work incentives and financial planning strategies that support your transition to employment. Visit our Department of Rehabilitation Work Incentive Planning page or visit the Webinar page for upcoming and past webinars.
  • Non-DOR consumers: Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects offer free individualized work incentive counseling to eligible individuals, helping them understand how employment affects their benefits. Use the Find Help tool on the choosework.ssa.gov website to locate your local WIPA project.

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Knowing that many programs and supports are in place to ease your transition to work, without the sudden loss of benefits, you can confidently take steps toward a new job or your dream career. Still not convinced? Check out amazing video success stories from DOR consumers receiving Social Security disability benefits on the DOR Spotlight on Social Security YouTube channel.