If you are receiving SSI or SSDI and are working, or thinking about working, you will want to know when 
and how to report your activity to Social Security.  One of the most important benefits of the Ticket To 
Work program is to know that your benefits are protected while making a transition to work.  According 
to SSA POMS: DI 13010.012, medical reviews are suspended due to work activity as long as your Ticket 
To Work is assigned and you are making Timely Progress. 

So when should you report work activity?  How do you report it? What information is required, and 
how programs like Ticket to Work can help you stay on track? 

Social-security-social

Why Reporting Work Activity Matters

Reporting work activity helps Social Security keep your records accurate. When work is reported 
correctly and on time, it can prevent many common problems.

Proper reporting helps you:

  • Avoid overpayments that SSA may later ask you to repay.
  • Prevent unnecessary benefit suspensions.
  • Keep access to work incentives.
  • Reduce stress and confusion during reviews.

Most overpayments happen because wages were not reported on time, not because someone did 
something wrong. Reporting protects you. 

Who Needs to Report Work Activity

You must report work activity if you receive:

  • Supplemental Security Income SSI.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI.
  • Both SSI and SSDI at the same time.

You must report work even if:

  • You work part-time.
  • Your earnings are low.
  • The job is temporary.
  • You are self-employed.
  • You are in training or a trial work period

 If you earn money from work in any form, Social Security requires reporting. 

What Social Security Considers Work Activity

Social Security considers many activities to be work, including:

  • Jobs where you receive wages or a salary.
  • Self-employment or freelance work.
  • Gig work or contract jobs.
  • Seasonal or short-term jobs.
  • Paid training programs.
  • Work for a family business if you are paid.

Even if you are unsure whether your work counts, it is safer to report it. 

YOU ALWAYS WANT TO HAVE YOUR TICKET TO WORK
ASSIGNED WITH AN EXPERIENCED EMPLOYMENT NETWORK!

We can help answer questions that you may have when you receive a Form 821 “Work Activity Report” 
from your local Social Security Field Office.

When reporting work activity, Social Security may ask for:

  • Employer name and address.
  • Job title or type of work.
  • Start date and end date if applicable.
  • Hours worked per week.
  • Gross pay before taxes.
  • How often you are paid.
  • Copies of pay stubs.

 If you are self-employed, they may also request:

  • Net earnings.
  • Business expenses.
  • Hours spent working.

If you have any accommodations (or what SSA may refer to special conditions) in your job, then you may 
also list them on SSA Form 821-BK “Work Activity Report”.  You may also indicate any Impairment 
Related Work Expenses (IRWE) that you may pay for to maintain employment such as (medication, 
medical treatment, assistive devices, etc.)

Keeping this information organized makes reporting easier. 

Ways to Report Work Activity to Social Security

Social Security offers several reporting options. You may use whichever works best for you.

My Social Security Online Account

Many SSDI recipients can report wages online through my Social Security account.

This option allows you to:

  • Submit wage information electronically.
  • Review past reports.
  • Confirm submission.

This is often the fastest method.

SSI Mobile Wage Reporting App

SSI recipients may use the SSI mobile wage reporting app.

The app allows you to: 

  • Report wages monthly.
  • Upload pay information.
  • Receive confirmation.

This option is designed specifically for SSI reporting.

Reporting by Phone

You may report work by calling Social Security:

  • 1 800 772 1213.
  • TTY 800 325 0778.

Be prepared to provide details about your job and pay.

Reporting In Person

You can report work by visiting your local Social Security office. 

This may be helpful if:

  • You are self-employed.
  • Your work situation is complex.
  • You need help understanding the rules.

Bring copies of pay stubs and documents.

Reporting by Mail or Fax

Some people report by mailing or faxing wage information to their local office. 

If you choose this method:

  • Include your name and Social Security number.
  • Send copies, not originals.
  • Keep copies for your records.

Mail reporting may take longer, so follow up if needed.

Always Keep Proof of Reporting

No matter how you report, always keep proof. This may include:

  • A receipt from Social Security.
  • A confirmation number.
  • Copies of submitted forms.
  • Screenshots of online reports

Proof can protect you if questions come up later.

How Reporting Affects SSI and SSDI Differently

SSI Reporting

SSI benefits are affected by monthly income, so regular reporting is critical. 

For SSI:

  • Benefits change based on countable income.
  • Work incentives may apply.
  • Late reporting can cause overpayments.

Monthly reporting is strongly recommended.

SSDI Reporting

SSDI is not reduced monthly based on income, but work activity still matters. 

Social Security evaluates:

  • Whether your work is considered substantial. Learn more about Substantial Gainful Activity                                                                                       here: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
  • Whether work incentives apply.
  • Whether your disability status has changed.

Reporting protects your access to these rules.

Reporting Work If You Are Self Employed

Self-employment reporting is more detailed. Social Security looks at:

  • Net earnings after expenses.
  • Hours worked.
  • The value of your work activity.

Keeping clear records of income and expenses is especially important.
 

How Ticket to Work Can Support You

The Ticket to Work program supports people who want to work while receiving disability benefits.

When you assign your ticket, you may receive help with:

  • Understanding reporting responsibilities.
  • Tracking earnings and hours.
  • Learning how work incentives apply.
  • Communicating changes to Social Security.

Disability Services of America can help guide you through this process, so reporting feels less                                                                                          overwhelming.

What Happens If Work Is Not Reported

Not reporting work activity may lead to:

  • Overpayments.
  • Benefit suspensions.
  • Requests for repayment.
  • Stress and confusion.

Most of these issues are avoidable with consistent reporting.

Simple Tips to Make Reporting Easier

  • Report wages monthly.
  • Keep pay stubs in one place.
  • Report changes as soon as they happen.
  • Ask questions when unsure.
  • Always save proof of reporting.

Small steps can prevent big problems.

Getting Support When Returning to Work

Reporting work activities does not mean you are doing something wrong. It means you are taking 
responsibility and protecting your benefits while exploring opportunities.

If you are thinking about working, or unsure how reporting applies to you, Disability Services of America 
can help you understand your options and stay compliant while moving forward with confidence. 
 

Talk to Us About Your Ticket to Work Options

Disability Services of America is a respected and SSA-approved Employment Network offering wide-ranging Ticket to Work career development and job support services. Since 2013, we’ve helped countless SSDI and SSI beneficiaries across the country navigate the Ticket to Work program and ease back into the workforce without risking Social Security disability benefits like monthly income payments and health care coverage.

Are you ready to find out how we can help you take advantage of your Ticket to Work? Complete the contact form or call us at 888-689-6760 to get started for free.

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