Myth 4: If I Work, I'll Lose Disability Status

A friend of mine started working and then Social Security decided she didn’t have a disability anymore, so they cut her off completely. I don’t want that to happen to me.You may have heard that if you are working, Social Security will assume you do not have a disability anymore and then you're no longer eligible for any of their programs. This is not true.

Although Social Security may do a medical review of your case, they do not automatically stop your benefits just because you are working. They have to go through a process called the Continuing Disability Review (CDR) before they can stop your benefits. During the CDR, they gather your medical records and ask you (and sometimes your family or friends) to offer information about how your disability or health condition continues to affect your life.

Social Security may also say that you must see a doctor who has a contract with Social Security. If they decide your condition no longer meets their definition of disability, Social Security must notify you. If you disagree with their decision, you can file an appeal.

However, if you are using the Ticket to Work program, and you are meeting timely progress requirements, Social Security will not do a medical CDR while your Ticket is still valid. Learn more about Ticket to Work.