Maybe you’ve been on disability for a while and now you feel better. Maybe you’re bored or, more importantly, feel like you need to earn more by going back to work. Can you return to work while on disability? You may be surprised to learn that, yes, you can. Let’s look at some things you should do and not do if you want to try working again.
Talk to the Social Security Administration
One federal government agency manages Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are receiving SSDI and/or SSI benefits, you’ll need to discuss your return to work with them.
In fact, they have several programs to help beneficiaries, including the Ticket to Work Program.
Take Advantage of Your Benefits
Using the Ticket to Work program is voluntary. You don’t have to go through this program to get a job, but it can help.
Benefits offered by Ticket to Work include:
- Employment services,
- Career counseling,
- Vocational rehabilitation services,
- Training, and
- Job placement.
This program may be particularly useful to people who need to find a new line of work. For example, if your back trouble prevents you from working in a warehouse, maybe you can train for an office job. You may even be able to start your own business or become self-employed.
If you are age 18 through 64, receiving SSDI and/or SSI benefits, and able to work, check out Ticket to Work.
Retain Your Disability Benefits for a Time
Your benefits may cease when the SSA determines you are no longer disabled because of your participation in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If this happens, you will still receive benefits for the month your benefits terminate and two additional months.
But you can test your ability to working during a nine-month Trial Work Period. Just stay in touch with your SSA caseworker and report all earnings.
If You Return to Work While on Disability, Don’t Lose Sight of Your Benefits
Going back to your job or another career may be a slow process. If you follow the SSA’s guidelines and work within their programs, you and your family are covered.
Applying for disability can be long and frustrating, so you need someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
