SSDI beneficiaries have a 9-month trial work period where they are able to continue receiving their cash benefits while testing their ability to work full-time. For SSI recipients there are federal work incentives that allow you to work while minimizing the reduction of your cash benefits. In either case you should reach out to one of our credentialed benefit counselors for more information. Your benefits will continue when participating in at least one of the Ticket to Work program services. To further protect your ongoing benefits, SSA will not perform a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) during any time you are utilizing the services of the Ticket to Work program, provided you meet the Timely Progress guidelines. Should you successfully enter the workforce, your benefits may continue, for at least a period of time, depending on how much you earn. 

SSA offers SSDI beneficiaries the chance to utilize a trial work period to test their ability to return to work. This provides you with the opportunity to earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity level, while continuing to receive monthly benefits. Your cash benefits will end after nine months of earnings that exceed trial work period levels. SSI beneficiaries are unable to utilize the trial work period, and their monthly benefits are typically reduced as a result of earnings. In either instance, our experienced career counselors will help you understand any impact to your benefits, so you are prepared and fully understand your future income.

There are federal work incentives that allow SSDI/SSI beneficiaries to remain eligible for medical coverage while participating in the Ticket to Work Program. We can assist you in understanding state specific requirements if you are receiving SSI and Medicaid. Should your SSDI benefits end, but your impairments continue to meet SSA’s criteria for disability, you may be eligible to receive ongoing Medicare coverage for at least an additional seven and a half years. Continued Medicaid eligibility may vary if your SSI benefits end. Our certified benefits counselors can assist you with understanding your states Medicaid guidelines to determine how long you can continue to receive Medicaid coverage while working.  

If your benefits ended because of you returned to work but you stopped working because of your disability, you may request Social Security to restart your benefits under Expedited Reinstatement. You may not need to file a new application and can receive provisional benefits for up to six months while a final determination is made about the reinstatement.