The rules regarding working and receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income are complicated and are different for each benefit. Before you decide to return to work it is important that you understand the rules and how your benefits will be affected. Social Security publishes information about being employed in something they call the Red Book or A Summary Guide To Employment Supports For Individuals With Disabilities Under The Social Security Disability Insurance And Supplemental Security Income Programs. The Red Book provides extensive information including information about different supports you may need to be successfully employed.
Each local Social Security Administration (SSA) office has an Area Work Incentives Coordinator (AWIC) or Work Incentive Liaison (WIL) who can provide you advice and information about returning to work. It is recommended that you contact your local SSA office for the name and telephone number of this Work Incentive Liaison. Further on this page is some basic information about how employment affects Social Security benefits.- Another option is to explore the Social Security website that explains the Ticket to Work program. This program provides significant help to you if you decide to return to work.
- The State of Illinois through the Division of Rehabilitation Services helps persons with disabilities between the ages of 16-64 find work and also provides linkage to work assistance and planning counselors to assist with making a smooth transition from Social Security benefits back to employment.
Supplemental Security Income and Employment
If you receive Supplemental Security Income, Social Security will budget your income immediately. When counting what income to budget, Social Security does not count the first $65 of earned income plus one–half of the amount over $65. Simply put, Social Security will therefore reduce your SSI benefit only $1 for every $2 you earn over $65.
You may also be able to receive additional deductions Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) for items such as your out–of–pocket expenses for items such as medicine, medical supplies, medical devices, service animals, and disposable items such as bandages and syringes when the amount of your earned income is calculated.
If you are enrolled in your state’s Medicaid program, you may be able to continue to be enrolled if you work.
Other SSI and Work Incentives (Employment Supports) that affect your benefit amount and Medicaid eligibility include:
- Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits
- Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
- Blind Work Expense (BWE)
- Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)
- Property Essential to Self-Support
- Continued Payments Under a VR Program
Social Security Disability and Employment
If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, you may be able to have a Trial Work Period (TWP) before your work could affect your receiving benefits. This period allows you to work for up to 9 months without affecting your SSDI. You have to make sure you report your work to Social Security, as well as have not previously used and possibly exhausted this trial period. It is important to discuss your plan to return to work with your local Work Incentive Liaison (WIL). Contact your local SSA office for the name of your WIL to establish a plan to return to work. You can also find out how you may be eligible for Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Subsidies (job coaching, reduced productivity, etc).
SSDI (Title II) Work Incentives (Employment Supports) include:
- Subsidy and Special Conditions
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
- Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits
- Continuation of Medicare Coverage
- Medicare Buy-In for People With Disabilities Who Work (in Illinois this is the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities)
- Continued Payment Under a Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Unsuccessful Work Attempt
General Information
There are also many websites targeted to persons with disabilities who are seeking employment assistance:
- AbilityLinks.org: links employers to job-seekers with disabilities
- Center for Personal Assistance Services: provides research, training, dissemination and technical assistance on issues of personal assistance services (PAS) in the United States
- Equip for Equality Ticket to Work Project: one of many programs that helps social security beneficiaries return to work
- Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago, Inc. : provides training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence
- Health and Disability Advocates is a national organization, based in Chicago, Illinois, that uses multiple strategies to promote income security, work and education opportunities and improve healthcare access and services for children, people with disabilities and low-income, older adults.
- Illinois WorkNet Programs for Persons with Disabilities: provides multiple resources for persons with disabilities who are seeking employment including a benefit planner and information about your rights
- Work 4 Illinois: Links you to information about state resources for persons with disabilities
Another source of information is through your local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program:
- If you live in Chicago call: Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at 312-746-5743 or (TTY) 312-746-5713
- Department of Human Services (Division of Mental Health) at 866-390-6771 or (TTY) 312-814-5050
- Department of Human Services (Division of Rehabilitation Services) at 800-807-6962 or (TTY) 866-444-8013
- Equip for Equality at 800-537-2632 or (TTY) 800- 610-2779
Health and Disability Advocates has developved a publication called The Ready to Work Guide that easily explains what you need to do if you want to return to work (SEE BELOW)