Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Once your application for disability benefits is approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) you will begin receiving payments and potentially have access to medical insurance. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the two most common types of benefits for people with disabilities. What many don’t know is that, after you start receiving Social Security disability benefits, Social Security puts in place many supports should you want to try working again. These special rules, called work incentives, allow you to test your ability to work and still receive monthly Social Security disability benefits.
More information about SSI/SSDI
Ticket to Work
Ticket to Work is an SSA program that connects people with disabilities aged 18-64 with
Employment Networks (ENs) which coordinate and provide appropriate services to help them find and maintain employment. In Maryland, DORS participates in the Ticket to Work program and has assisted many job seekers with disabilities who receive SSDI and SSI benefits to return to work, often earning more than the amount of their cash benefits.
More information about Ticket to Work
Benefits Planning Services
Once you have determined you are interested in exploring a return to work, you may need help navigating Social Security’s work incentives. There are trained and certified benefits counselors, sometimes called benefits planners, to help you understand the impact of work on your personal circumstances. Once you begin services with DORS, let your counselor know so that an appointment can be scheduled with a benefits planner.
More information about Benefits Planning Services
Health Insurance and Work
If you currently receive Medicare, there are special provisions for you to remain eligible for
at least 93 months after you achieve certain earning levels.
If you receive Medicaid, there are several provisions to extend your coverage after employment. If you currently don’t receive Medicaid, you may be able to access it through a program known as
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) once you begin working. Your DORS counselor and a benefits planner can tell you more. There are no income limits to apply for EID and an asset limit of $10,000. Asset limits are only considered when determining initial eligibility for the program, and not when renewing eligibility. For more information about EID, see the
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) website.
More information about Health Insurance and Work
SSA Publications
Learn more information about Social Security and other benefit program by checking out the free, downloadable publications available on the
Social Security website.
