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Benefits and Work Incentives

For Social Security Benefits (SSD and SSI) see: http://www.ssa.gov

For SSD beneficiaries there is a 9-month trial period with no earning limitations.  Following the trial work period, if you earn less than $900 a month (starting January 2007) you will continue to receive your full SSD benefits. This is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for 2007. The SGA amount for people who are blind for 2007 is $1500 a month. 

If you earn more than that amount, you will not receive a benefits check but will continue your Medicare coverage. If you stop working, you can get Expedited Reinstatement enabling you to resume your SSD benefits without a waiting period. 

The monthly earnings amount used to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period for 2007 is $640.

For SSI recipients there are different work incentives. Depending on income SSI checks may be reduced, but your Medicaid coverage will continue. See http://www.ssa.gov/work/resourcestoolkit/redbook/html

Ticket to Work increases opportunities for SSA recipients to pursue vocational goals. See: http://www.yourtickettowork.com