Work & Career
Impact of Work on Government Benefits
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After a period of time, persons with brain injury may want to work but if they receive Social Security, it’s important to know how employment will affect their benefits. In most cases, they can still receive benefits while testing their ability to work
Social Security has programs called “Employment Supports” to help people gradually move toward independence and self-sufficiency. These programs are designed to provide support over a long period of time while persons with brain injury determine if they are able to work. Some programs are only for people on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and some are for people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different and what applies to one person may not apply to another. To find accurate information about a specific situation, it’s important to contact the local Social Security office directly.
Generally, persons receiving SSDI have nine years to test their ability to work. They receive full cash payments during the first year, and then a 36-month extended period of eligibility followed by a 5-year period in which cash benefits can start again without a new application. Medicare can continue during and even after this period.
Those receiving SSI are usually allowed to continue the cash benefit and/or Medicaid coverage while working. If earnings reach a certain level, cash benefits drop off, but eligibility for Medicaid can continue as long as certain conditions are met.
In 1999, a new law was passed called the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act (PL106-170). This law includes some new features that make it possible for more people with disabilities to work and continue working. These features include expanded availability of healthcare services, more choice in where vocational services can be received and the establishment of community–based benefit planning assistance and outreach projects. These projects provide FREE benefits planning and assistance to people with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits and need to know how working will affect those benefits.
Sally Atwell has been employed at the Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, for the past seventeen years. Currently she is the Project Director for the Benefits Navigator project, a Social Security Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach grant. Ms. Atwell received the Social Security Administration Regional Commissioner’s Citation Award for the Southeast region in 1999.
Curtis Rodgers is a vocational rehabilitation specialist. He currently serves as Assistant Director of the Benefits Navigator program, which is designed to assist people with disabilities (who receive either SSI or SSDI) become informed consumers when considering return to work options. Curtis recently received the Advocate of the Year Award for 2002 from The Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities.