The Social Security Administration knows that entering back into the work force following a long-term disability can be a daunting task. Because of this, they attempt to make immersion back into a working schedule less off-putting for those receiving disability insurance.
Through the Administration’s Work Incentive and Ticket to Work programs, those interested in working can get back into the work force and still receive monthly payments of Social Security Disability benefits.
Work Incentives including continued benefits, continued Medicare or Medicaid and educational or vocational help, all exist to help you begin the back-to-work process.
- The Trial Work Period essentially allows you to test your capability to work. During this 9-month period, full disability benefits will be paid regardless of how much you’re earning just as long as you continue to have a disability and report all work. The 9-month trial can take place any time within a 60-month period.
- Following the trial work period, you can still work and receive benefits for 36 months as long as the earnings aren’t considered substantial. Substantial earnings vary from year to year, but in 2015, that meant earnings over $1,090.
