The Right Steps to Return to Work While Collecting Disability

Recipients of Social Security Insurance or Social Security Disabled Insurance who are looking to reenter the workforce need to take a few steps to ensure they do not risk losing their benefits.

“If you are on SSI or SSDI, you need to assess whether returning to work is appropriate for you,” said Michael Sanders, Director of Partnerships for NTI@home, a nonprofit organization that assists Americans with disabilities find work-from-home positions in companies with call centers.

During a recent webinar hosted by the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, Sanders advised those beginning a job search to learn how their disability was granted and obtain a copy of the Social Security Administration’s Redbook, which is a guideline to benefits.

“It is a 60-page book that is very easy to read,” said Sanders. “It provides a basic summary of benefits and the various Social Security Administration work programs and their impact on benefits. It also explains what participants can expect during the Trial Work period.”

The Trial Work period is an incentive program run by the Social Security Administration that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries 18-64 years of age. The program is voluntary and helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. Most individuals, ages 18-64, who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability will qualify.

During a Trial Work period, a beneficiary receiving Social Security disability benefits may test their ability to work and still be considered disabled. The program lasts nine months and only counts months where you earn over the monthly earning limit (the 2020 amount is $910 a month, but changes annually).

“At NTI we see some people move off Social Security, return to work, get promoted at their company and become very successful,” said Sanders. “Everyone is different and needs to discover the best route for them. Keeping your mind open and exploring all the options are keys to that discovery process.”

“A participant can always decide this is not the choice for them,” said Sanders, “and walk away from it, keeping their benefits.”

The best choice for some may be returning to work full time. The good news is there is help for those seeking to reenter the workforce. The Social Security Administration offers work incentive and assistance programs, including Trial Work, Ticket to Work, PASS, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

“We work with fantastic employers all across the country to find part-time and full-time jobs with flexible work hours,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI’s Chief Operating Officer. “Not a lot of people on disability know they can supplement their income by working from home and keep their benefits. It brings a smile to our face every time – to give someone that knowledge that they can be empowered to work.”

It is important to keep good records to avoid facing penalties from the Social Security Administration. It is important to inform the SSA if you are returning to work, to avoid possible charges.

There are four valuable tips to help ensure a smooth process:

• Check in regularly with the Social Security Administration during the trial period
• Keep a record of your progress
• Record any difficulties experienced
• Keep good financial records

Interested in learning more about returning to work? Register for an NTI@Home webinar to learn about free online training, mentoring, and job placement services.

This article is part of NTI@Home's #WorkforceWednesday series, celebrating 30 years of the ADA by showcasing employment opportunities available for the 1 in 4 Americans with disabilities.