Social Security Disability Return to Work Rules

In general, a SSDI recipient will receive a full monthly Social Security benefit for a year after he/she returns to work. If the recipient continues to work beyond that while still disabled, eligibility for monthly SSDI benefits will continue for at least another 36 months.

Trial Work Period - If you return to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive), your earnings will not affect your SSDI benefit. If the 9 months of trial work do not fall within a 60-month period, you may have even longer to test your ability to work. A trial work month is generally defined as any month in which your total earnings are more than $670.00 (2008).

Extended Period Of Eligibility - After the 9 month trial work period, Social Security will review your earnings to determine if they are "substantial" ($940/month). If so, SSDI benefits would continue for a 3 month grace period and then stop. For at least 36 months after a successful trial work period, however, you can request an extended period of eligibility and continue to work while disabled, and may receive a benefit for any month your earnings fall below the "substantial gainful activity" level of $940/month.

Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits - If you become unable to work again because of your medical condition within 60 months after your extended period of eligibility has ended, and your benefits were stopped because of your earnings, you may request reinstatement of benefits without filing a new application.

Continuation Of Medicare - If you have premium-free Medicare hospital insurance and you start working, you may have at least 8½ years of extended coverage (including the nine-month trial work period). After that, you can buy Medicare coverage by paying a monthly premium.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses - Certain work expenses for items needed as a result of your impairment may be eligible for deduction when calculating earnings for the "substantial work" determination.