Benefits 25-01

Unlocking Opportunities: SSA Work Incentives for People with Disabilities

Are you a person with a disability receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and considering employment? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides several work incentives to help you explore work opportunities without risking your benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

What Are SSA Work Incentives?

SSA work incentives are designed to provide financial security while you test your ability to work. These programs support individuals aged 14 to 65 who want to enter or reenter the workforce, pursue career goals, and achieve financial independence.  Key Work Incentives:
 

1. Trial Work Period (TWP) (SSDI Only)
   • Work for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) while receiving full SSDI benefits, regardless of earnings.
   • This allows you to test your ability to work without losing your monthly benefits.
2. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) (SSDI Only)
   • After the TWP, you have 36 months to work and still receive benefits for months when your earnings fall below the “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) threshold.
3. Earned Income Exclusion (SSI Only)
   • SSA excludes part of your earned income when calculating your SSI payment, allowing you to work and still receive reduced SSI benefits.
4. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
   • Deduct the cost of disability-related items or services (e.g., assistive technology, personal assistance) needed for work from your earnings.
5. Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
   • Set aside income or resources for a work goal (e.g., education, vocational training, starting a business) without affecting your SSI eligibility.
6. Ticket to Work Program
   • Access free employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement support from Employment Networks or State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies.

How Can We Help?

As Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC), we:

• Provide Personalized Guidance: Explain how work will affect your benefits.
• Develop Work Plans: Help you utilize SSA work incentives tailored to your goals.
• Connect You with Resources: Link you to employment services, training programs, and more.

Take the Next Step

Employment is possible, and SSA’s work incentives are here to help! Contact us to schedule a benefits counseling session and start building your path to financial independence.  For more information see our contact information below.

Keys Advocacy Center d/b/a Center for Independent Living of the Keys

Mail: 103400 Overseas Hwy Ste 243 Key Largo FL 33037

Office: 305 453 3491    Cellphone/text: 786 377 4001   Fax: 305 453 3488

Email: cilk@cilofthekeys.org

Website: www.cilofthekeys.org

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