Working while on disability

I feel really depressed right now but my goal is that when I'm feeling better, I want to get a part-time job. I think it would help my self-esteem tremendously and help supplement my meager disability check. However, if there's a chance that they will cut off my disability and my medicare because I am working part-time, I don't think I want to chance that. Is it possible to work part-time and keep your disability and medicare forever if you aren't able to work full-time or make what they consider gainful employment. I know for sure that I will never be able to get rich.

Who has experience working part-time and being on disability? How has this worked out for you? Do you think your disability benefit is at risk? Are you happier than not working?

Overcast

There are very clear rules about how much one can work, etc. There is a trial work period where your income is not limited and then you get an extended three year period where you can make up to $1,000 a month.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html

I read on their site somewhere that you must report any extra money that comes in thats over 60 bucks...if from working or otherwise...prolly depends on the state you live in.

Im on SSI by the way and know what its like to wanna work when the times are good but scared of losing the money.

i am allowed to work on my federal disability pension (up to 60% of my income) but i am too sick to do so...

my problem is that altho it is federal disability pension it is not recognized as such when it comes to some benefits..which sucks...same pension...just different name...only difference is i can work...makes me crazy. still living under the poverty level.

if i apply for food stamps i would get say $200 if i was getting soc security disability with my monthly check...

because my federal pension isn't soc sec disability (altho federal disability) i would get $11.

yeah makes me crazy.

the system sucks..it penalizes you

Just a quick note...if you do feel up to working again at some point, you can earn up to 80% of your former income, under both CSRS and FERS.

I'm not sure how far you may have gotten through the SSDI process, but it may be worth looking at again if you're still unable to work. Your Federal disability retirement status can only help. But do remember that the govt will offset your benefit for the SSDI payment, so your income may not change much, but as you said, things like food stamps will be higher.

Sorry if I hijacked the thread....just wanted to reply to that post.

Overcast, it is my understanding that as long as your earnings stay under the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold, you'll be fine. Do check out the link from Perna though. There are specific rules for the Ticket to Work program. A word about Medicare though - I actually went back to work full time under the Ticket to Work program and was able to keep my Medicare. I worked full time for seven years before getting sick again and having to go back onto disability. There are very lengthy grace periods and it was fairly easy for my benefits to be reinstated, even after working for so long. I would have lost the Medicare after eight years after my benefits stopped (from working full time).

I think it depends on your location as well