Protections Allowing You to Still Work While Receiving in SSDI

If you receive SSDI - you have many protections that allow you to work and keep your SSDI check and Medicare.

The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows you to work 9 months full-time and keep your full SSDI check.  During the Trial Work Period, you can make as much income as you want and keep your full SSDI check.  You will want assistance to know when and how to report your work activity to your SSA Field Office.  To do this correctly – you want to have your Ticket to Work assigned to an Employment Network (EN).

After your 9th month of full-time employment, you will want to make a decision about what is best for you.  Are you making more money working full-time than you receive on SSDI?  Is there a potential to make more money or receive a promotion?  Will working full-time allow you to earn more credits towards your retirement so you will have a larger SS Check in the future?  If the answer to these questions is yes – then it may be appropriate to have your check suspended or stopped. 

After your 9th month of work, you will want to work with your Ticket to Work (EN) (Employment Network) provider to receive assistance to have your check stopped to avoid an overpayment.  This is important.  You do not want to owe SSA any money.  By choosing the right Ticket to Work (EN) you will avoid any headaches, mistakes, or errors so you can be confident in your return to work decision. 

Are you scared?  Are you asking yourself, “What happens if I work full-time now but later I get sick or cannot physically or mentally work?”  Or – maybe you are asking yourself, “If I have my check suspended or stopped that you will permanently lose it?”  These are all common questions.

Having your Ticket to Work assigned provides you with the following protections.  See the protections listed below:

  • Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
  • Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits (EXR)
  • Medicaid Eligibility
  • Medicare Eligibility
  • Meeting a SSA Medical Listing of Impairment

Having a partner in your return to work endeavors will help you to transition into a new career.  You are taking a risk – we understand this.  Using Disability Services of America as your Ticket to Work (Employment Network) will help you have better outcomes and a better experience.  Call us today at (708) 377-9941.