Does Being Found Disabled Mean I Can Never Work Again?

Does Being Found Disabled Mean I Can Never Work Again?

One question we are often asked by clients who receive Social Security Disability benefits is whether being declared “disabled” means they can never return to work. The short answer is no. Being found disabled does not mean that you are permanently barred from ever attempting to work again.

The Social Security Administration recognizes that medical conditions can improve, treatments may become more effective, or a person may eventually feel well enough to try returning to the workforce. At the same time, the government also understands that many people would never attempt to work if doing so meant immediately losing the benefits they depend on for survival.

To address this concern, Social Security created a Work Incentive Program called the Ticket to Work Program.

What Is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Ticket to Work Program is a voluntary program offered by the Social Security Administration that helps individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits explore the possibility of returning to work.

The goal of the program is simple: allow disabled individuals to test their ability to work without immediately losing their benefits.

Through the program, participants can receive help with:

• Career counseling
• Job training
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Job placement assistance
• Continuing education or skill development

Participants work with approved service providers or state vocational rehabilitation agencies to develop a plan that fits their abilities and goals.

Important Protections While Participating

One of the biggest fears people have is losing their benefits too quickly. The Ticket to Work program includes several safeguards designed to prevent that from happening.

For example, individuals participating in the program may be able to:

Try working without automatically losing disability benefits.
Social Security allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work for a period of time while still receiving benefits.

Return to benefits if work does not succeed.
If a person attempts to work but later finds that their medical condition prevents them from continuing, benefits may be reinstated without starting the entire application process over again.

Keep important healthcare coverage.
In many situations, individuals can continue receiving Medicare or Medicaid coverage for an extended period while attempting to return to work.

Being approved for Social Security Disability benefits does not mean you are permanently prohibited from working. Instead, it means that based on your medical condition and limitations, the Social Security Administration determined that you currently cannot engage in substantial gainful employment.

If your condition improves and you would like to explore the possibility of returning to work, programs such as Ticket to Work exist to help you do so without immediately losing the benefits and healthcare coverage you depend on.

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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Does Being Found Disabled Mean I Can Never Work Again?