This section contains general listings of the work incentives for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries.

Explanation of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are “insured” by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) social security tax paid on their earnings or those of their spouses or parents.

Explanation of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) makes cash assistance payments to aged, blind and disabled people (including children under age 18) who have limited income and resources. The Federal government funds SSI from general tax revenues.

What is a Work Incentive?

Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules “work incentives.” Below are the rules that apply under each program.

• Explanation of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Explanation of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• What is a Work Incentive?
• List of SSI and SSDI Work Incentives
• Substantial Gainful Activity
• SGA Amounts for the Blind and Non-Blind
• Ticket to Work Program

SSDI & SSI Work Incentives

• Impairment Related Work Expenses
• Subsidies and Special Conditions
• Unincurred Business Expenses
• Unsuccessful Work Attempts
• Continued Payments Under a Vocational Rehabilitation Program
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)

SSDI Work Incentives

• Trial Work Period
• Extended Period of Eligibility
• Continuation of Medicare coverage
• Medicare for People With Disabilities who Work
• Protection From Medical Continuing Disability Reviews

SSI Work Incentives

• Blind Work Expenses
• Earned Income Exclusion
• Student Earned Income Exclusion
• Plan to Achieving Self-Support
• Property Essential to Self Support
• Special SSI Payments for People Who Work
• Continued Medicaid Eligibility
• Special Benefits for People Eligible Under Section 1619 (a) or (b) Who Enter a Medical Treatment Facility
• Reinstating Eligibility Without a New Application