The Ticket to Work Program is designed to help Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients return to work without immediately losing their benefits. To support this transition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several work incentives that provide financial protections and allow individuals to test their ability to work.
This FAQ will explain the key work incentives available under the Ticket to Work Program and how they help you maintain financial stability while working toward independence.
1. What are Social Security work incentives?
Work incentives are special rules that allow SSDI and SSI beneficiaries to work and earn income while still receiving some or all of their benefits. These incentives help individuals transition into the workforce without immediately losing financial support, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage.
Work Incentives for SSDI Recipients
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), these work incentives help you return to work safely:
Trial Work Period (TWP) – Test Your Ability to Work Without Losing SSDI
- Allows you to work and earn any amount for 9 months while still receiving full SSDI benefits.
- The TWP months do not have to be consecutive, but must occur within a rolling 60-month period.
Benefit: You can test working without worrying about losing SSDI right away.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) – Continued SSDI Protection After TWP
- After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter a 36-month safety net.
Benefit: Even if your benefits stop due to high earnings, you can quickly regain SSDI within this period.
Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) – Get SSDI Back Without Reapplying
- If your benefits stopped due to work but you can no longer continue working due to your disability, you can request Expedited Reinstatement within 5 years.
- SSA can restart benefits for up to 6 months while reviewing your request—without requiring a new application.
Benefit: You don’t have to start from scratch if your condition worsens.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) – Reduce Countable Earnings
If you have disability-related work expenses, SSA allows you to deduct them from your earnings when determining whether you exceed Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Examples of IRWE deductions:
- Assistive technology
- Transportation costs due to disability
- Out of pocket medical expenses; Medical devices or medications related to work
Benefit: You are allowed to work to pay for medical expenses if your benefits do not cover your monthly expenses.
Work Incentives for SSI Recipients
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), different work incentives apply:
Earned Income Exclusion – Keep More of Your SSI Benefits While Working
- SSA excludes the first $65 of earnings and half of remaining earnings when calculating your new SSI payment.
- This means SSI benefits are reduced gradually, rather than stopping immediately when you start working.
- Benefit: You can work and still receive some SSI benefits.
Medicaid While Working – Keep Healthcare Coverage Even If Earnings Increase
- If you lose SSI due to earnings exceeding SSI limits, you may still qualify for Medicaid under Section 1619(b).
Benefit: You don’t have to choose between working and losing healthcare.
How Work Incentives Help You Stay Financially Secure
The Ticket to Work Program offers a range of work incentives that allow SSDI and SSI recipients to transition into the workforce safely. Whether you are testing your ability to work, earning more while keeping benefits, or planning for long-term financial independence, these incentives provide a safety net to help you succeed.