Can Earn Unlimited Income & Can Keep Cash & Medical Benefits

Disability benefits can be a financial lifesaver for many people with disabilities. However, the idea of returning to work and losing those benefits may seem daunting. Fortunately, Social Security Administration (SSA) offers the Ticket to Work (TTW) program to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals without losing their benefits.

The Trial Work Period Under Ticket to Work

A Trial Work Period (TWP) is a period of at least nine months our of a 60 month rolling  period, during which a person receiving Social Security disability benefits can test their ability to work. During this period, you can receive your full SSDI Social Security cash and medical benefits, regardless of how much income you're earning as long as you report your work activity (reporting that you are working & submitting your paystubs monthly) and continue to meet Social Security's rules for disability. That way, if you lose your job or have to stop working due to your disability during a Trial Work Period, your benefits won’t be affected. This is called a "Work Incentive" or "Safety Net" to you.

You can continue to collect the full amount of benefits in a TWP as long as:

• You continue to have a disability. If your disability shows improvement or you no longer meet SSA's definition of disability, your benefits may be terminated.

• You report your work. You must submit timely progress reports to show you’re actively working on your employment goals. Our dedicated staff can help you report changes in your work, monthly wages, and other vital information so your benefits aren’t unduly suspended.

• You meet the earnings threshold for a Trial Work Month. Beneficiaries must make over a certain amount of income at their job for the month to count toward the Trial Work Period. In 2024, your monthly earnings must be over $1,110. If you’re self-employed, you must earn over $1,110 after business expenses or work over 80 hours at your own business.

It’s important to note that the nine TWP months do not have to be consecutive. Your trial period will continue until you have accrued nine cumulative TWP months within a 60-month period.

Can I Extend My Trial Work Period?

The SSA has built-in "Grace period” which is the first three months of the Extended Period of Eligibility (Phase 2 of the Ticket to Work Program). The Grace Period starts when your gross earnings goes over the SGA (earning guideline) after you completed the Trial Work Period (9 months over SGA). Once you’ve completed the first nine months, plus the additional three months grace period, you will enter month four of the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). This phase allows you to maintain eligibility for benefits for several years (3 years) until you can make enough money to support yourself without them. Keep in mind that during the Extended Period of Eligibility, EVEY MONTH COUNTS, whether you work or not.

So, the adding of the 9 months of the Trial Work Period plus the 3 months of the Grace Period allows you to receive unlimited income and the full amount of your benefits for 12 months. Additionally, if you find that after the grace period, you’re unable to work due to the impact of your disability, your benefits will simply resume.

TWPs and EPEs can be incredibly valuable as you explore the possibility of returning to work. They allow you to fully test your ability to earn a living without the fear that you’ll immediately lose your benefits if things don’t go as planned. Additionally, they provide some financial stability as you begin to earn an income.

During this time, you’ll be able to adjust to your new work routine, gain skills, and seek additional training or support to help you succeed in your job. We often find that these aspects of the Ticket to Work program offer a confidence boost to disability beneficiaries, helping to make the transition back to work feel less daunting.

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For SSI beneficiaries, the same rule applies. However, under the Ticket to Work program you can make unlimited income but your earnings will reduce or offset your SSI monthly cash benefits but will not affect your Medicaid benefits. This may seem that being in the Ticket to Work Program maybe not a good fit for you? But, the benefit to you is that you can earn money, while also receiving a reduced SSI check and as a result, your income increases while you still receive the Medicaid medical benefits!

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Benefits of Signing Up for the Ticket to Work Program

• You can make unlimited income and still keep your Medicare insurance and cash benefits (for SSDI beneficiaries) For SSI beneficiaries your check is reduced however, you can replace your SSI check (Ex: 943.00) with unlimited income (Ex:3000.00) and keep your Medicaid insurance.

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For additional information - Videos

 "How the Ticket to Work program Can Work for You," click on the link: 

Ticket to Work Training-How the Ticket to Work Program Can Work for You.

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"How Work Affects My Disability Benefits," click on the link:

Wise on Demand-"How Work Affects My Disability Benefits"

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Let Us Take You Through the SSA Disability Benefit and Employment Process!

If you’re considering returning to work, you need a partner with the experience and dedication of Abbott & Associates Financial Services, LLC. Our benefit and employment professionals stay by your side to help you meet the requirements of the Ticket to Work program and reach your ultimate work goals.

Please fill out our online contact form or call (734) 203-0024 to complete a quick intake with one of our team members.