02 Dec The 411 on Returning to Work While Receiving SSDI: What You Need to Know

December 2, 2025 ~ Many people feel nervous about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because they worry it means they can never work again. But that’s not the case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several programs to help people ease back into work when they’re ready—without immediately losing their benefits.

What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people who can’t work because of a disability. To qualify, you must have worked long enough—and recently enough—and paid Social Security taxes on your income. If you meet these requirements, you are considered “insured.”

Learn more about applying for SSDI in our Quick Guide to Navigating SSDI and SSI.

Can I Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?

Yes, you can! Many people who receive SSDI after a cancer diagnosis want to return to work but may worry about doing too much too soon. Others fear they’ll lose their benefits if work doesn’t go as planned. The good news is that the SSA offers programs called work incentives to support you as you explore work opportunities.

What Are Work Incentives?

Work incentives are special programs that help you return to work without immediately losing your SSDI benefits. These programs give you time to test your ability to work and get the support you need—without putting your benefits at risk.

These programs are designed to:

• Help you keep your benefits while testing work
• Provide support for job training and education
• Give you time to build confidence
• Help you move toward financial independence

SSDI Work Incentive Programs

Ticket to Work (TTW)

This free, voluntary program connects you with employment services like:

• Career counseling
• Job training and placement
• Vocational rehabilitation

You can keep your SSDI and Medicare while you transition back to work. The TTW program is available to SSDI recipients ages 18–64. These services are offered through their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency or through TTW service providers known as Employment Networks.

Learn more: choosework.ssa.gov

Trial Work Period (TWP)

This allows you to test working for up to 9 months, while still getting full SSDI benefits—no matter how much you earn.

• The 9 months don’t have to be in a row.
• You have a total of 60 months to use your 9 TWP months.
• In 2025, a TWP month is any month you earn over $1,110.

After the TWP, SSA reviews your income:

• If you earn less than $1,620/month, your benefits continue.
• If you earn more than $1,620/month, your benefits may stop.

Learn more: TWP Details

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After your Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month period, where:

• You can still receive SSDI for any month you earn less than $1,620 (2025)
• If your earnings go above that, benefits stop
• If you lose your job, you may be able to restart benefits without reapplying, if you still qualify for disability benefits

Learn more: Extended Period of Eligibility

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)

You may have expenses related to your disability that you need to help you work, such as:

• A wheelchair
• Transportation
• Special equipment

SSA may deduct these from your income, before calculating if you meet a TWP month. This helps you keep benefits longer. In 2025:

• A TWP month is any month you earn over $1,110
• SSA considers work “substantial” if you earn $1,620 or more/month

Learn more: IRWE Examples

Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)

If your SSDI benefits stopped because of your earnings, but you can’t work anymore, you may be able to restart your benefits without a new application.

You may qualify if:

• Your benefits stopped due to work
• You are unable to earn $1,620/month (2025)
• Your disability is the same (or related)
• You apply within 5 years

You can receive temporary benefits for up to 6 months while SSA reviews your request.

Learn more: Expedited Reinstatement

Continuation of Medicare

Even if your SSDI payments stop because you return to work, you may keep Medicare Part A for at least 93 months after your TWP ends.

• Medicare Part B continues if you pay the premium.
• If you do not want to keep Part B coverage, then you need to request, in writing, to end it.
• After 93 months, you may be able to buy Medicare coverage until age 65, if you still have a disability.

Learn more: Medicare and Work

Do I Need to Report My Work to SSA?

Yes. You are required to report:

• Starting or stopping a job
• Changes in job duties, hours, or pay
• Disability-related expenses for work

If you don’t report, you may:

• Be underpaid or overpaid
• Owe money back to SSA
• Face penalties

Report online: SSA MyAccount
Find your local office: SSA Office Locator
Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

Learn more: SSA Reporting Responsibilities

Need Help Finding a Job?

Several resources are available to help you:

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The federal government hires people with disabilities through both competitive and non-competitive processes.
Disability Employment with OPM

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Free, confidential help with workplace accommodations and disability employment questions.
AskJAN.org

American Job Centers

Offers training, career counseling, job listings, and more. Many centers also work with Ticket to Work.
Find a Job Center

Learn more in our Quick Guide to Returning to Work

Want to Learn More or Get Started?

Contact your local SSA office:
Find Your SSA Office
Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

Talk to a Work Incentives Counselor:
Find Help Tool
Meet Your Employment Team

Attend a Free Webinar:
These WISE webinars are held monthly by SSA to explain work incentives
Register for WISE online
Call: 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

For More Information About Disability Insurance:

• Quick Guide to Transitioning Off SSDI & SSI Benefits
• Disability Insurance Resources
• Disability Insurance Module