Question for those who receive SSD

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I was thinking that someone from here told me about an x number of months/years you can receive your benefits but try to work more like another trial work period. Let me explain briefly. I'm on SSD for bipolar disorder; back when I was approved (I also had an atty) they started my 9 month trial work period. I received a letter like 1-2 years later stating that I had proven to them that I could not hold gainful substantial employment and my trial period had been completed. At that time, I was still being tried on various meds and had several hospitalizations.

Fast forward to now. About 2-3 years ago I was tried on an old med, as the new ones had too many undesirable side effects. The old med worked great and I'm still on it to this day. I'm currently working every other weekend as evening shift RN charge nurse. I was told by SS that I could make up to $940/mo. and keep on receiving benefits. I love my job and have no desire to quit and it has been 4 years since my last hospitalization. I was "offered" (long story) a part time teaching position as an LPN clinical instructor. It would be a dream come true as I've always leaned towards teaching. However, I don't want to give up my current job on the weekends. I know if I do both, it will be over $940/mo. I don't know if I can handle both and wondered if there is another trial work period so I could attempt both jobs, but not give up on my benefits. Back when I started receiving benefits, I was told that the judge or whoever had labeled me as "permanently disabled". That was before I started my wonder drug though.

My question is: Can I try again on another trial work period and if so, how many months will it be? Can I still receive benefits during the trial so I don't lose them completely if working 2 jobs doesn't work out? I've tried to access this kind of info online but I'm so confused...can anyone please help me out here?

Thanks and blessings, Michelle

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Specializes in OB/GYN,L&D,FP office,LTC.

I think you need to talk with someone at your local social security.They seem to be very

helpful. I agree the website can be confusing. Good luck!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Tele, Geri Psych.

it is my understanding that once you have used your 9mos, that is it. Now, if you re-entered the workforce and came off completely from disability, you might be able to get another 9mos if you were deemed disabled again. But that is purely a guess.

Contact your SSA office

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

Contact the SS Office or visit their website.

It is very confusing!

I think it comes down to what you earn in each month. During the 9 month trial you can earn (for example) $5,000 a month and still receive full benefits (monthly check from SS, plus your medical coverage). You can only have 9 trial months of gainful employment every rolling 60 months. Doesn't mean you can't work more than 9 months, it just means you can't earn more than "x" amount of money for each of those extra months worked.

Just be sure all of the income is reported.

In other words, you can't work for 9 trial months and get full-benefits, take a month off or two off and then work for another 9 trial months with full benefits. It seems to only be 9 months of substantial gainful employment within every rolling 60 months.

Social Security has a safety net. After the 9 month Trial Work Period, you may get a 36 month re-entitlement period, or "Extended Period of Eligibility" (EPE). During the Extended Period of Eligibility, Social Security may continue your benefits in any month you that your gross earnings are not at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.

Seems to really come down to the 9 trial months within the rolling 60 months.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Tele, Geri Psych.

very good response above. I have done some research and talked with EN's and SSA. You don't have to use all the 9mos at one time. It is just a total of 9mos in all. You can earn as much as you wish during your TWP as explained to me by SSA....yes even if you earned $10k/mo, you would still receive full benefits. And, it also does not trigger a medical exam to verify your disability either.

Concerning EN's (Employer Networks), you should research those as well. I found one in TX that will pay you 75% of what the govt pays them, but they provide no services other than processing your paperwork. There are other EN's that will provide coaching, resume writing, job search, vocational rehab services.....but you don't see any of that money the get paid. And still, there are some that off 50% pay back to you. So, please, research that, if you have other questions, call the "Ticket to Work" program and they will help you even further.

I guess, in essence, don't be afraid to call, even if you are unsure about returning back to work. It won't "trigger" anyting that would jeopardize your benefits.

HTH

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The 9 months trial is just for receiving cash benefits. There is an extended period beyond that where you don't draw benefits but if you are not able to maintain the gainful employment, you can start receiving cash benefits again without re-applying. That is 36 months.

I know I am in same boat as you.

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Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

Dear Michelle,

Bill Clinton made a change to the SSD benefits, one of them being that you get one trial work period that last 9 months period, and yes you get your check during that time.

If you work 2 weeks SSD counts that as one of your nine months. What came to my mind is why not work part-time and continue to get your benefits? To go from not working to two part-time jobs would be a little overwhelming for me anyway. On the social security website you can get in touch with a real human, I think they are called a "benefit specialists" that can answer all of your questions. Good Luck! fltnrse2

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Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

Dear Michelle,

Bill Clinton made a change to the SSD benefits, one of them being that you get one trial work period that last 9 months period, and yes you get your check during that time.
If you work 2 weeks SSD counts that as one of your nine months. What came to my mind is why not work part-time and continue to get your benefits? To go from not working to two part-time jobs would be a little overwhelming for me anyway. On the social security website you can get in touch with a real human, I think they are called a "benefit specialists" that can answer all of your questions. Good Luck! fltnrse2

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Specializes in med/surg.

Do you mind my asking what type of bipolar you have? Type 1 or type 2? I have type 2 and find it so hard to work and sometimes I can't and have had multiple hospitalizations. I can't get stable on meds. Just wondering what kind of chance I may have in getting SSD.

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Does anyone know how being on SSDI and trying to get a government job works? I am in the transition 36 month period, and doing great. Still on very low dose meds but able to do job. Will the Veterans Assoc (whom interviewed me and says I have job if I pass background check) Can the VA disqualify me because of my SSDI? I hope not. I really want this job.

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