Having a serious disability may keep a person from meaningful full-time employment. However, it may not keep a person from working at all. This may be good news for many, as Psych Central notes that depression and unemployment often go hand in hand.
Unfortunately, although a part-time job may keep people from feelings of boredom and depression, they may fear that the small amount of income will disqualify them for Social Security Disability benefits and health insurance. Here is what the Social Security Administration says about working and receiving SSD benefits.
Working will not automatically end health insurance
The SSA sets limits on the amount people with a disability can earn and still receive SSD checks, but even if they earn beyond that limit and the checks stop, they may still be eligible for Medicare for as long as 93 months. Medicaid eligibility depends on the state threshold for earnings and other factors. Someone who believes he or she earns too much should still check with the MO HealthNet Division before ruling out eligibility.
Participating in the Ticket to Work program does not trigger a medical review
All people who receive disability benefits are subject to a medical review from time to time. Unless someone already has an upcoming Continuing Disability Review that the SSA scheduled before he or she began the Ticket program, the participant does not need to worry that working will result in a review of his or her condition.
Reapplying is not necessary
Beginning a new job may not be the good thing that a participant hoped, and the medical condition may make staying at work impossible. Even though checks may have already stopped, the participant does not have to go through the entire application process again now that the income is gone.
As long as the benefits did not lapse more than five years ago and the original medical condition is still present, then the person has the option of expedited reinstatement. The SSA will conduct a medical review before reinstating benefits, but the person may receive as much as six months of temporary benefits while waiting for the reinstatement to go through.