Social Security Benefits and Returning to Work

Social Security Administration (SSA) has programs and policies that encourage disabled individuals to attempt to return to work. If you currently receive benefits and want to return to work, contact your local SSA office or visit their website (www.ssa.gov).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• SSI recipients are allowed to earn $65 in work income per month before SSI is reduced. For any work income over $65, SSI is reduced by $1 for $2 earned through employment.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)

• SSDI benefits are not subject to the "$1 for every $2" reduction that SSI benefits are subject to.

Trial Work Period

• A trial work period begins after SSDI is first awarded that allows you to attempt to work without a reduction in benefits. If more than $700 is earned during nine out of the previous sixty months, the trial work period ends.

Extended Period of Eligibility

• After the trial work period ends, a thirty-six month extended period of eligibility takes effect. If your monthly work income is less than the substantial gainful activity amount ($980 in 2009) for any given month during this period, SSDI will pay the difference. If more than $980 is received, benefits will be suspended for that month.

Ticket to Work

• SSA's ticket to work program provides SSI and SSDI recipients with a ticket that can be used to obtain supportive employment services from an approved agency, such as a state Vocational Rehabilitation program. These services are designed to assist an individual with successfully returning to the workforce.