* You must be unable to do work you did before you became disabled
and we must decide you cannot adjust to other work because of your
medical condition; and
* Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least
one year or to result in death.
Social Security pays only for total disability. We do not pay
benefits for partial or short-term disability. For more information,
read our publication Disability Benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.
Question:
If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security
disability benefits?
Answer:
Social Security has several work incentive programs to help people
who want to work. You may be able to receive benefits and continue
your health care coverage during a trial work period. For
information about Social Security's work incentives and how they can
help you return to work, you should:
* Visit our special work site at www.socialsecurity.gov/work;
* See the Red Book on work incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook;
* Call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778);
or
* Contact your local Social Security office
(www.socialsecurity.gov/locator).
For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or
call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question:
If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits,
what is the effect on my benefits if I work?
Answer:
In most cases, your return to work would reduce your benefit amount,
and in some cases, discontinue your payments. Unlike Social Security
disability, there is no “trial work period” for people who get SSI
disability benefits. In most cases, if your only income besides SSI
is from your work, you can earn up to $1,433 in a month (in 2011)
before we stop your payments. We have several publications about SSI,
including Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental
Security Income, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10503.html. Note that there are other
work incentives that can help you return to work when you receive
SSI. You can read about them in What You Need To Know When You Get
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html#part6. For more information,
visit our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
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column] |
Question:
I am receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can my children
receive dependent's benefits based on my benefits?
Answer:
No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of one individual and are
paid only to the qualifying person. Disabled children are
potentially eligible for SSI, but there are no spouse's, dependent
children's, or survivors benefits payable as there are with Social
Security benefits. For more information, see our publication,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You also may want to read
Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm. For even more
information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
MEDICARE
Question:
Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying your
Medicare premiums?
Answer:
Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your State may be
able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles, and
coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources
that apply. Contact your State or local medical assistance, social
services, or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline,
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings
Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be
able to get help paying for prescription drug coverage under
Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users
should call 1-800-325-0778) or visit any Social Security office.
Also, see our publication, Medicare (Publication 10043), at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. For even more information,
visit our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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