Benefits – 25-06

Debunking Myths: You Can Work and Keep Your Benefits

Myth #1: “If I get a job, I’ll lose my SSI/SSDI right away.”

Truth: The Social Security Administration has built-in work incentives designed to help you succeed when transitioning to employment.

· For SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Only part of your earned income counts against your benefit. The first $65/month and half of the rest is not counted at all.

· For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You get a Trial Work Period (TWP) — that’s nine months (not necessarily consecutive) where you can earn as much as you want and keep your full SSDI check.

Translation? You have time to try work, earn money, and keep your safety net.

Myth #2: “If I go back to work, and it doesn’t work out, I’m stuck.”

Truth: You’re not stuck. SSA provides a powerful safety feature called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If your disability forces you to stop working again within five years, you can ask for your benefits to restart without filing a new application. You could even receive provisional benefits while SSA reviews your case.

You’re never trapped. You have options.

Myth #3: “Working will take away my healthcare.”

Truth: Most people with disabilities can keep their Medicaid or Medicare while working.

· SSI recipients may qualify for 1619(b) — a special rule that lets you earn more than the usual SSI limits and still keep Medicaid.

· SSDI recipients get at least 93 months (over 7 years!) of Medicare coverage after returning to work.

So even if your cash benefits stop because you’re earning more, your healthcare doesn’t vanish.

Myth #4: “It’s too confusing. I don’t want to risk it.”

Truth: You don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s what Certified Work Incentive Counselors (CWICs) like me are here for. We’re trained to break it down for your unique situation — your benefits, your work goals, your plan.

We help you understand:

· What benefits you have now

· Which rules apply to you

· What reporting is required

· What incentives you qualify for

And we walk with you the whole way.

The phone number for the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program is 1-866-968-7842. TTY users can call 1-866-833-2967.

These lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

You can also find information and contact options on the Choose Work! website. https://choosework.ssa.gov/contact

So Why Work? Besides the obvious — earning more money — working brings so much more:

· Purpose

· Community

· Confidence

· Independence

It’s not about “losing benefits.” It’s about building a better future.

Lesly Quintanilla Lopez