Benefits and work

Many people worry that a job will cost them their benefits. Social Security has rules, called work incentives, that let you test work, earn more, and keep health coverage. For most people, working leaves them with more money in total.

• The most SSI pays from the federal government in 2026 is $994 a month for one person. Many states add a little more.
• Social Security does not count the first $85 a month you earn. Then it counts only half of the rest. So if you earn $1,085, your SSI check goes down by $500, and you have $500 more in total.
• Work expenses because of your disability, like a special device or transportation, can lower the earnings Social Security counts.
• Students under 22 can keep up to $2,410 a month, up to $9,730 in 2026, without lowering their check.
• PASS plans let you set aside money for a work goal without losing SSI.
• The savings limit is $2,000 for one person. Money in an ABLE account, up to $100,000, does not count.

• Trial work period: you can test work for 9 months (they do not have to be in a row) and keep your full SSDI check. In 2026, any month you earn over $1,210 counts as a trial month.
• Extended period: for 36 months after that, you get your check for any month you earn under the substantial work level.
• Substantial work in 2026: $1,690 a month ($2,830 if you are blind).
• Expedited reinstatement: if your benefits stop because of work and you have to stop working because of your disability within 5 years, you can ask to restart them without a new application.

• Medicaid (SSI): a rule called 1619(b) lets Medicaid continue even when your earnings are high enough to stop your SSI check, up to a limit set by your state.
• Medicaid buy-in: most states let working people with disabilities buy into Medicaid, often for a low premium.
• Medicare (SSDI): Medicare usually continues for at least 93 months after your trial work period ends.

Ticket to Work is a free program for people 18 to 64 who get SSI or SSDI. You give your Ticket to a provider you choose, like your state VR agency or an Employment Network. They help you get ready for work, find a job, and keep it.

• It is voluntary. You choose the provider and can change providers.
• While you use your Ticket and make progress, Social Security will not start a medical review.
• Find Ticket to Work providers.

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselors are free. They look at your exact benefits and show you what happens at different pay levels. Talk to one before you start a job or get a raise.

Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967) or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Find benefits counseling in your state.

Report your earnings to Social Security every month. This prevents overpayments, which you would have to pay back. You can report online at ssa.gov, by phone, or with the free mobile reporting app. Keep your pay stubs.