For many people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the idea of going to work can bring up an important question: Can I work without losing my benefits?
This is a common concern and a significant barrier to exploring employment opportunities. Benefits provide important financial support, so it’s natural to worry if earning a paycheck could affect the services and resources you rely on.
The good news is receiving disability benefits does not automatically mean you cannot work. There are rules and protections that may allow individuals to explore employment while continuing to receive certain benefits. However, because every person’s situation is different, understanding how employment and wages may affect your individual benefits is an important part of preparing for a job. Benefits planning services like those offered at Boone Center (BCI) can make all the difference.
WHAT IS DISABILITY BENEFITS PLANNING?
BCI offers benefits planning as part of our overall approach to helping people with disabilities pursue meaningful employment. Through vocational training, career exploration, job coaching, and benefits planning consultations, BCI helps individuals move toward employment with greater confidence.
Benefits planning is the process of understanding how employment may interact with the public benefits and services an individual currently receives. For someone receiving SSDI, questions might include:
- How could earning wages affect my benefits?
- What happens if I increase or decrease my hours?
- Could employment affect other benefits or services I receive?
- What should I know before accepting a job?
- Where can I go for reliable information about my benefits?
Our Benefits Case Managers provide guidance on the relationship between work and public benefits, so job seekers can determine next steps. The goal of our disability benefits consultations is NOT telling someone whether they should work or making financial decisions for them. Instead, our goal is to help individuals and families understand their options so they can make informed decisions about employment.
BUILD JOB SKILLS WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Many people with disabilities want to work, learn new skills, and become more independent. The challenge is figuring out how to take the next step while understanding the potential impact on existing benefits. That’s why BCI focuses on the whole employment journey. For individuals who want to prepare for competitive employment, BCI offers specialized vocational training courses designed for people with disabilities. Current training opportunities include:
- Custodial services
- Health care and social assistance support
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse work
These programs combine instruction with practical, hands-on learning. We also work with local businesses to develop training programs based on real workforce needs. This approach gives students an opportunity to experience what a job is really like, learn work expectations, and develop skills employers are seeking.
For people receiving SSDI, Social Security provides a Trial Work Period* and other incentives that allow individuals to test their ability to work while continuing to receive full SSDI benefits. This can be a chance to determine what type and amount of work is a good fit, and could pave the way towards participating in a vocational training program. Social Security requirements are detailed, and every person has unique circumstances to consider. Schedule a private consultation with a BCI Case Manager to learn more.
GET HELP NAVIGATING DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT & BENEFITS
For many individuals, vocational training can be the bridge between “I want to work” and “I’m ready to work.” If you receive Social Security benefits and have been thinking about working, you don’t have to have every answer before taking the first step. Benefits planning can help you better understand how employment may interact with your current benefits. BCI is here to help you discover what’s possible.
Contact our Benefits Planning team, or attend an upcoming group meeting. In these quarterly sessions, we discuss the transition from high school to adulthood, including how to apply for Social Security and Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and understanding all the public benefits paperwork.
Ready to explore your employment options? Learn more about BCI’s vocational training and employment services. Our team can help you build skills, explore career opportunities, and pursue meaningful work. Your next opportunity could be closer than you think.
*Note: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice.