Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Incentives

2010 Red Book

Information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) employment support provisions better known as work incentives. The Red Book is a reference tool for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals and counselors who serve individuals with disabilities. The Red Book is also available in Spanish.

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Employment Support for People with Disabilities

Information on the Social Security Administration's Office of Employment Support Programs (OSEP), which promotes the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities.
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Find a Work Incentive Seminar Near You

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families. These Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income. For more resources in your state go to Disability.gov's homepage and select your state from the drop-down menu under "Information by State."

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Going to Work: A Guide to Social Security Benefits & Employment for Young People with Disabilities

Provides families and professionals working with young people practical, hands-on information about Social Security disability and health benefit programs. The complete guide can be downloaded in PDF format.

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Guide to Employment Supports

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on employment supports that enable people with disabilities to return to work, reduce their hours or stop working and still receive monthly cash benefits and/or health care.
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Impairment-Related Work Expenses

Social Security will deduct the cost of certain impairment-related expenses that you need in order to work from your earnings when they decide if you are performing substantial work. Examples of impairment-related expenses are things such as a wheelchairs, certain transportation costs and specialized work-related equipment.
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Information for Social Security Beneficiaries Who Want to Return to Work

If you are interested in working, the Ticket to Work Program is the key to unlocking vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other services to help you reach your employment goals. The program is available for people who are between the ages of 18 and 65 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because they are disabled or blind.
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Medicare for Individuals with Disabilities Who Work

After premium-free Medicare coverage ends due to going back to work, some individuals who have returned to work may buy continued Medicare coverage, as long as they are still medically disabled. Learn more about Medicare eligibility and the kind of Medicare coverage you can buy after going back to work.

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Monthly Earnings & The Trial Work Period (TWP)

Information on the monthly amounts of gross earnings considered in a Trial Work month. In 2009 monthly earnings of $700 will trigger a TWP.
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SSDI & SSI Employment Supports

Information on Social Security rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.
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Social Security's Special Rules for Individuals Who Are Blind

Information on employment supports which are special rules that can help individuals who are blind or visually-impaired return to work while receiving disability benefits. Includes information about Blind Work Expenses (BWE) such as service animal expenses and transportation to and from work for people who receive SSI and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).

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Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If you are receiving SSDI benefits, SGA is used to determine initial eligibility, and to decide if your disability continues after you return to work and complete your Trial Work Period (TWP). The term "substantial gainful activity" is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is "substantial" if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both.

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Trial Work Period (TWP)

The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During a TWP you will receive full SSDI benefits regardless of how high your earnings are as long as your work activity has been reported and you are still considered disabled by Social Security.

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What is a Work Incentive?

Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules "work incentives."

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Working While Disabled, How Social Security Can Help

An electronic booklet describing all of the work incentive programs available through Social Security. This information is also available in Spanish.

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