Being disabled can be challenging in so many ways. Having a disability that is severe enough to prevent you from working is certainly one of those challenges. It can be hard to adapt and adjust – and that’s understandable. It’s also why you may be eager to return to work or earn an income in some way if you are able.
If you are considering returning to work, the prospect of earning additional income may be exciting – and stressful. You may worry about whether earning an income will reduce or eliminate the disability benefits you receive from the Social Security Administration. That may be a worrisome thought, especially if those benefits are an important source of financial support and stability while you’re unable to work full-time. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
A Closer Look at Social Security Incentives
The Social Security Administration wants to encourage those who want to return to work to do so, if possible. As a result, it offers a number of incentives to encourage people to attempt to do so. Some of these incentives include:
- The Ticket-to-Work Program: The Ticket-to-Work Program is a free program that the Social Security Administration provides to encourage those who are disabled and between the ages of 18 and 64 to attempt to return to work, if possible. The program provides various resources and assistance with returning to work, including vocational rehabilitation services, on-the-job training, networking and job search services, reasonable job accommodations, and more. While an individual is participating in the program, they can continue receiving the full amount of their disability benefit payments. Those interested in learning more can visit the website www.choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work helpline at 1–866–968–7842.
- The Trial Work Period: The trial work period is, as it sounds, a period of time during which disability beneficiaries can “try out” returning to work without losing access to their benefits. During this nine-month period, a beneficiary can return to work and still receive the full amount of their disability payment. These months do not need to be consecutive – instead, they are counted during a rolling five-year period. In 2025, any month in which a beneficiary earns more than $1,160 before taxes is considered a trial work month. There is no limit to how much an individual can earn during the nine trial work months.
- Extended Period of Eligibility: After the nine-month trial work period has ended, a beneficiary can continue to work for a 36-month period known as an “extended period of eligibility,” or EPE for short. In 2025, the EPE earnings limit is $1,620 per month, or $2,700 per month for those who are disabled due to blindness. Those who exceed the earnings amount will not be eligible for a disability payment that month. In some circumstances, earning more than the monthly limit during the EPE may be possible without affecting your benefits. If, for example, you have to spend $300 each month on specific transportation needs for your job, you may be able to earn an extra $300 each month to cover those costs. After the 36-month EPE has ended, an individual who continues to work will stop receiving benefits at that time.
Depending upon your particular circumstances, there may be other advantages and incentives for returning to work. Seeking advice from legal counsel regarding your particular situation is always advised.
What Happens if Your Disability Returns?
For those who are able to return to work long-term, these incentives can be tremendously helpful and can significantly ease the stress of the transition. It’s also important to remember that if, for any reason, your disability returns and you are again unable to work, you can always pursue another claim for benefits.
Depending upon where you are in the midst of the return-to-work process, you may be able to resume your benefits without pursuing a new claim, or you may have to begin the process again. Either way, it will be essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney regarding the best path forward for your particular situation. At Muse Disability, we’re here to help.
Muse Disability – Here For You
At Muse Disability, we know that when you are disabled, you have enough to focus on without worrying about complicated legal issues. You don’t want to wonder how you should pursue the benefits you need and deserve or about what will happen if and when you return to work.
The good news is, you don’t have to. Instead, you can call us. When you do, you’ll receive guidance and advice based on years of experience and a legal team ready to fight for you each step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.