Yes, You Can Work!

Employment is especially beneficial to people with disabilities. The benefits go far beyond the monetary gains. Employment gives people a sense of purpose, meaning to their days, opens gateways to social interactions, and brings a connection to community.

Many people in recovery from behavioral health disorders describe the process of becoming employed as pivotal or central to their recovery as opposed to something that they sought once they had reached other milestones. Pro-employment models such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment, a SAMHSA Evidenced Based Program, suggest that people start their process to become employed right away rather than waiting until certain conditions in their lives improve (i.e., reduction in symptoms).

People seeking SSA benefits are encouraged to work or seek employment either independently or with the help of professional supports like Supported Employment Programs. Case managers are encouraged to support individuals to pursue their vocational goals, both before and after an application for SSI/SSDI.

People can work during the application process, and information gathered from work activity can help strengthen the SSI/SSDI application by documenting any functional limitations an individual experiences at work. SSA looks at the type and amount of work completed to see if an individual can maintain “substantial gainful activity (SGA).”  If an applicant is able to work, but not at a substantial gainful level, then they can still be found eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits. 

For more information about the many work incentive programs available for people who choose to go back to work (or continue working!) after receiving SSA benefits, please go to the Social Security Red Book and the Employment & Work Incentives page.

 

Use links below to access a printable handout of this article as well as our "Yes, You Can Work" Infographic, pictured below.

 

You can also access a Spanish version of this infographic.