The Social Security Red Book helps people receiving Social Security benefits find information on working.
By Guest Blogger Marsha Robinson-Vaden, Office of Program Development and Research, Social Security Administration
If you are getting disability benefits and want to work, we have good news for you! Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you get started.
Special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. And, if you cannot continue to work because of your medical condition, your benefits can start again – you may not even have to file a new application.
Work incentives include:
- Continued cash benefits for a period of time while you work;
- Continued Medicare or Medicaid while you work; and
- Help with education, training and rehabilitation to start a new line of work.
The rules for Social Security disability and SSI are different. However, we describe the rules under each program in our Red Book (Publication No. 64-030) – A Guide to Work Incentives.
Whether you are receiving Social Security disability or SSI benefits, it is important to let the Social Security Administration know promptly when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits.
The Ticket to Work program may also be able to help you. You can receive vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals and other employment support services free of charge. You will not undergo medical reviews while you are using the Ticket and making timely progress pursuing your return to work plan. Find help in your are by visiting the Ticket to Work website at http://www.chooseworkttw.net/resource/jsp/searchByState.jsp.
When you are ready to explore your work options, we have a national call center where you can talk directly with us about work, benefits or our work incentive programs. Just call 1-866-968-7842, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-866-833-2967. Or you can call our toll-free number and ask for a free copy of the publication, Your Ticket to Work (Publication No. 05-10061).
For more information about the ways we can help you return to work and our work incentives programs, please read the Red Book.
I am on SSI and don’t have enough money to rent a house and the nursing homes don’t let you take your dogs in the nursing home with you. Mine has saved my life. I have sezures and they will let me know when I am about to have one, and they have even brought me out of them, but I sure wish I could get some help with the rent.
Unable to work. For past 20+ years was and still am the caregiver for my husband and received benefits until my children reached 16. Started working part time but diagnosed with severe heart problems and macular degenration in both eyes. I was also the caregiver for my mother in law and father in law, who are both now deceased. During this time, I was not able to earn the credits necessary for disability Social Security. My husband’s disability pension puts us above the earnings level. What can I do?
Need work for a 60 yr old on SSI. I have filed many, many applications.{nothing} I have been subsidizing her income for 2yrs and money is running out and so is time as I am 84 yrs old. She does get help with electricity. I am paying her medical, dental, internet connection, telephone, the deductable on her medical expenses and many personal things she does not on food stamps. Where does she get a job?
Did you get an answer??
Hi Nita,
We apologize for the delay in responding to your comment. Anyone ages 18 – 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of their disability is eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work program. The programs provides job training and placement services for people with disabilities who want to work. For more information, visit http://www.choosework.net/resource/jsp/searchByState.jsp or call 1-866-968-7842, Monday- Friday from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST.
Best,
The Disability.Blog Team
I have been asked to participate in a task force to identify ways we can attract veterans to apply for positions in our transit agency. We employ bus drivers, train drivers, mechanics and many other positions. Are there any initiatives to assist with the transition of military life to civilian employment particularly pertaining to mass transit?
I am 60 years old and legally blind; I have been on Social Security for the last 25 months, after losing my job as a eligibility worker for public assistance for 25 years; I desperately want to go back to work at least part time, but I am not sure how much I could make and how it would affect the benefits I now receive.
Interested in working. I have a schedule A letter and have been on the waiting list for a year already, when the company is ready for me to work through the Ticket to Work program.
I would love to return to work but I have a major hearing loss, plus a 40% disability from VA. I am 70 years old. I could work a position where minimum discussion is required. I have 30+ years with a Worker Comp Co as a Safety and Loss Control Consultant to policyholders (prior to the hearing loss).
Thank you,
Dean
Great information.
I am interested in the work program part-time. First, I believe in being forthright and honest and have to the ones. I have applied for about the seizures I have, and have actually tried to apply at places part-time with NO response at all. Not even a phone call. Dr. Fredericks had said positively no more driving anymore, but sitting alone everyday in this house, day in and day out, is driving me insane. I desperately need something to do. Thank you! Jana F.
Hi Jana,
It is great to hear about your interest in work…I believe there is a job out there that is right for you. Have you ever considered work from home opportunities such as JLodge? You can explore their website at http://www.jlodge.com.
I strongly encourage you to get connected to your local state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency or a Ticket to Work Employment Network (EN) in your area and they should be able to guide you in this or other opportunities. Your local state VR agency or EN can also help you through all the processes involved (to include appropriate accommodations if necessary) in obtaining gainful employment with an employer that is a good match for you and for them.
Hope this is helpful,
Lynn