SOCIAL SECURITY & TRIAL WORK PERIODS

Through its "Ticket to Work" program, Social Security tries to encourage people on disability or SSI benefits to return to work.  You can try to work without immediately giving up your disability or SSI benefits - and without losing your Medicare coverage (if you are covered by Medicare).

You are allowed 9 "trial work months" within a five-year period.  The months do not have to be consecutive. You will continue to get full disability or SSI benefits during the trial work periods until you accumulate 9 months of successful work.  Any month in which you earn at least $720 will be considered 1 month of successful work.   

Once you have accumulated 9 months of successful work, your disability or SSI benefits will be stopped for as long as you continue to work.  However, if you again become unable to work within a 5 year period, you can request expedited reinstatement of benefits without filing a new application.  While Social Security makes a decision on whether you have become unable to work, you qualify for provisional (temporary) benefits for up to 6 months.

Also, if you are receiving health care access through Medicare insurance coverage, you may keep your insurance coverage for at least 93 months after your last disability or SSI benefit check--even while you are working.

Ticket to Work is a volunteer program that gives Social Security disability or SSI beneficiaries incentives to go back to work.   For more information contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
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The Forsythe Firm (256) 799-0297 is a local member of

Established in 1979, the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR) is a professional association of over 4,000 attorneys and other advocates who help individuals with disabilities obtain Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits.  

 Learn More About the Forsythe Firm - Social Security disability  specialists