What Are My Rights If I Am on Disability & Want to Work Part Time?

Ticket to Work Program

Under the Social Security's "Ticket to Work" program, workers receiving disability benefits may be able to seek training, referrals and support in finding a job. As the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews its beneficiaries' eligibility for this program. Because the issuance of a Ticket to Work is based on individual qualifications, workers receiving Social Security disability benefits should contact the Social Security office for more information.

If the worker qualifies for the Ticket to Work program, there are certain limitations on the amount of time and money the beneficiary can work and earn and still receive disability benefits. According to the SSA, workers receive full benefits during the "trial work period," or nine months within a 60-month period (the months do not have to be consecutive). Work is considered "services" if the employee earns more than $720 a month (as of 2011). If the employee provides "substantial services" (those exceeding $1,000 per month as of 2011), the employee's disability benefits will stop after the trial period ends. Benefits may continue after the trial period for up to 36 months if the earnings fall below the "substantial" level, according to the SSA. The amounts are subject to change and could vary depending on the beneficiary's impairment. Beneficiaries must check with the SSA for the most current regulations.

Once the worker receives her ticket from the Social Security Administration, she must contact an "Employment Network" for help finding a job. Together, the beneficiary and the Employment Network work together to develop an agreement about finding a job and earning a living; according to the SSA, this agreement is called an "Individual Work Plan" or IWP. To locate an Employment Network, beneficiaries should contact the SSA or use the Employment Network Directory available online at YourTickettoWork.com.

During the duration of the Ticket to Work program, the beneficiary must report her earnings to the Social Security Administration. The goal is for the beneficiary to become self-supporting once again. According to the SSA, the beneficiary may qualify for other incentive programs while on the Ticket to Work program and not have her benefits affected. For other incentives, the SSA suggests contacting a "Work Incentives Planning and Assistance" project in her state.