If you're getting money from Social Security because you're disabled and you're thinking about getting a job, here's what you need to know:

  1. Trial Work Period: You can try working without losing your disability benefits. You can earn up to a certain amount each month without any problems.

  2. Extended Period of Eligibility: After your trial period, you can still get benefits if you earn less than a certain amount.

  3. Keep Your Medicare: If you get Medicare with your disability benefits, you can usually keep it for almost seven years after you start working.

  4. Safety Net: If you earn too much and your benefits stop, you can ask to get them back within five years without going through the whole application process again.

  5. Reporting Earnings: Always tell Social Security how much you're earning. This helps them make sure you're getting the right amount of money. Don't worry; they won't take away your benefits just because you're trying to work.

Taking a job while receiving SSD benefits is possible and encouraged. If you're not sure about something, it's a good idea to talk to the SSA or a disability advocate to discuss your specific situation.

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Last Reviewed: October 12, 2023