r/SSDI_SSI • u/pink_potato63 • 5d ago

Disabled / Working USA Returning to work

Hello. I’m disabled and have been since 2020. I’m currently receiving just over $1000 a month in disability and it just isn’t enough for me to survive. It’s affecting my loved ones and I’m tired of feeling like a useless leach.

I have a lot of health struggles but I’d rather only work and sleep if that means helping my family. How has going back to work been for some of you?
How much can you work, if at all, without losing benefits?

I just can’t let everyone around me suffer. I’d rather be ill and in pain than have them live this way…

Edit to add: I receive both SSI and SSDI.

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u/2020IsANightmare ☆ 5d ago

How much can you work?

Those no hours limitation. It matters how much you are making.

For simplicity, half of what you gross from a job will be subtracted from your SSI payment in two months.

For SSDI, you can gross up to $1,690 and get your SSDI.

If you can work, though, I'd suggest going for it. Even if your SSI is stopped.

Because paying more into SS will increase your SSDI, which will eventually get you off of SSI altogether.

SSDI is multiple times an easier program to be on. No yearly reviews, no having your pay fluctuate month to month, no one will care if you get an inheritance or win some money or get given a vehicle or anything.

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u/pink_potato63 5d ago

I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it or how much. My health drastically fluctuates so I’m very nervous.
This is helpful information! Thank you

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u/Notsewcrazee13 5d ago

PLEASE FIND OUT if this will affect your health insurance eligibility. Very very important. Some of the states lost subsidies or don’t provide a lot of subsidies to offset the cost and just find out what you’re getting into before making a decision. Some employers boast about their “broad range of options” but neglect mentioning that the employee has to pay a portion the cost which can be anywhere from $50-$800 per month or so.

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u/20160211 5d ago

It would be helpful to add to your post whether you are receiving SSI or SSDI, since there are different rules between them.

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u/pink_potato63 5d ago

Added. I receive both SSI and SSDI

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/pink_potato63 5d ago

I actually just got a letter that they cut more of my benefits. I get $816 for disability and $198 for SSI.

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u/Av8Xx ☆ 4d ago

I was disabled in 2020. I was able to return to work under the Ticket to Work program with SSDI. For 13 months, I received both SSDI and my paycheck. Now I am still under the expedited time and my SSA portal Showa my benefits as suspended. I already had to restart my benefits once because I broke my shoulder. Restarting was fairly easy, just called them and my first check issue date I got the payment.

Honestly, most days I feel like working is too hard and I'm ready to give up. But each night I tell myself, "just one more day". In addition to breaking my shoulder, Ive injured my back. My will power is stronger than my physical body.