Can I Return to Work After Collecting Social Security Disability Benefits? What Are the Consequences if I Do?

Social Security encourages disabled persons to reenter the workforce and its policies give incentives to disabled persons who are trying to make the transition back to work, especially after the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. For those receiving Social Security Disability benefits other than SSI (Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits, and Disabled Adult Child Benefits) full benefits could continue for up to a year after an individual returns to work. Also, if you have to leave your job within the next three years, you can automatically and immediately receive Social Security Disability benefits without having to re-file your claim. The policies regarding returning to work and receiving SSI are different, but still encourage disabled persons to return to work.

Overall, the Social Security policies allow you to return to work, and if you find you cannot work after all, Social Security will allow you to receive benefits as before. These work incentive programs contain a number of special and technical rules that provide cash benefits and Medicare while you attempt to return to work. We can help you understand these rules and use them for your benefit.