If you’re disabled, Social Security can help you get back to work
While it may be best known for retirement, Social Security is also here to help you get back to work if you are disabled.
For millions of people, work isn’t just a source of income, it’s a vital part of who they are — it gives them purpose and pride — it’s a connection to community. If you’re getting Social Security disability benefits, we have good news for you. Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you if you’re interested in working. Special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments.
The Ticket to Work program may help you if you’d like to work. You can receive:
■ Free vocational rehabilitation;
■ Training;
■ Job referrals; and
■ Other employment support.
You can read more about working while collecting disability benefits at www.socialsecurity. gov/work.
Work incentives include:
■ Continued cash benefits for a 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.
If you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits or SSI, let us know right away when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits.
If you returned to work, but you can’t continue working because of your medical condition, your benefits can start again — you may not have to file a new application.
You can read more about the Ticket to Work program in the publication titled “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10095.pdf.
Part of securing today and tomorrow is giving you the tools to create a fulfilling life. Getting back to work might be part of that. We’re here with a ticket to a secure tomorrow.
Additional benefits: Applying online is the fastest way to get Social Security benefits. Some additional types of available benefits include:
■Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■Disability – You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started. Apply for Disability at www.socialsecurity. gov/disabilityonline.
■Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Many people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020.
■Medicare – Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the U.S. federal government that began in 1966. You can apply online or continue an application you already started at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you can apply online for SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/ssi.