The BasicsMyth 1: I Can't WorkMyth 2: If I Work, I'll Lose SSI/SSDIMyth 3: If I Work, I'll Lose Health BenefitsMyth 4: If I Work, I'll Lose Disability StatusMyth 5: I Can't Get Help Finding WorkMyth 6: I Can't Afford to WorkMyth 7: If My Benefits Stop, I'll Never Get Them AgainNext Steps

Getting Past the Myths

Try It

    Getting Past the Myths

    Myth 7: If My Benefits Stop, I'll Never Get Them Again

    I’m doing pretty well at work, but my disability gets worse sometimes. I’m afraid I won’t be able to get SSI or SSDI if I need them. Will they think I'm not disabled because I was working?

    If you are not able to keep working or if you need to work fewer hours, you might worry about going through the long process of applying for benefits again.

    However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have rules to help people who work. These may allow your benefits to be restarted without you having to reapply.

    SSI
    SSDI
    • The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) begins the first month after your Trial Work Period ends; the EPE lasts for 36 months (three years) in a row. During this time, if you earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level in a month you get your SSDI benefits that month. If you earn more than the SGA level, you don't get SSDI benefits. You don't need to reapply to get your SSDI benefits if your earnings are below the SGA level.
    • You may also be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If your Social Security benefits stop because of your earnings, you can use EXR to get your SSDI benefits restarted, if you stopped working or if your earnings have dropped below the SGA level within five years of the time your benefits ended.
    • To learn more about these, read Social Security’s page about work incentives and DB101’s SSDI article.

    Learn more

    Finding the Right Job for You

    Get ideas, tips and resources that make it easier to find a job or career.

    Job Supports and Accommodations

    Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.

    Benefits and Work Estimator

    Got a work plan? See how it would help your situation.