Larry received monthly payments from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – even after he started working part-time. Yes, that’s possible! You do have to know how to report wages while receiving SSDI or SSI, though.
In fact, failing to report money you have earned could put you in the position of having to repay an overpayment of benefits. Since SSI benefits are income-based, it is especially critical to report your earnings to prevent overpayment.
Who Should Report Wages?
The following people should report wages earned while receiving SSDI or SSI:
- The worker/benefit recipient;
- Representative payee of the benefit recipient;
- Spouses, parents, or sponsors of SSI recipients.
Note that some benefit programs, like SSI, need to know the income and resources for everyone in the beneficiary’s family.
If you are working through the Ticket to Work program, never assume that your employer will report your wages to the SSA. This task is definitely your responsibility.
Reporting Your Wages
If you work, you or your representative payee need to report everything you earn. Generally, you need to report earnings, starting work, or stopping work by the 10th day of the month after the month of change.
Use any one of the following methods to report earnings if you receive SSI:
- Call 1-800-772-1213.
- Call, visit, or write to your local Social Security office.
- Access the SSA’s toll-free, automated wage reporting telephone system.
- Access the SSA’s mobile wage reporting application.
- Go online to mySocialSecurity.
The SSA makes it as easy as possible by providing information about telephone, mobile, and online wage reporting.
SSDI and SSI are separate programs within the Social Security Administration. Work-reporting requirements may vary from program to program and may even change in one program, but not the other. As the benefit recipient, it’s important for you to understand the rules and report wages while receiving SSDI or SSI.
We Can Help with Your Questions About Reporting Wages While Receiving SSDI or SSI
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
