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BENEFITS AND WORK Disability Benefits and Work Private Disability and Work Social Security and Work Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Retirement and Disability Work and Other Assistance Programs and Benefits Money Management

Major provisions of SSI work incentives (Visit this link)

1. Can I work and keep my benefits?

You can work and earn up to $2,073/month, the "break even point," before you lose your full check.
($2,073 is based on 2026 federal benefit rate (FBR) of $994/month)

2. How does earning money affect my benefits?

The first $85 ($20 general, $65 earned income) is excluded from your Countable Income, after that half of what you earn over that amount is deducted from your SSI check.

3. How much income can I earn before I lose my monthly check?4. What if I earn over the SSI income limit of $2,073?
The SSI income limit is $2,073.
Your checks will stop.

5. Will I lose Medicaid coverage if I work?

Medicaid will continue if you earn less than the SSI limit or if, when you earn over the SSI limits, you're still disabled, cannot afford similar medical care, and depend on Medicaid in order to work. (See 1619(b))

6. How can I reduce my monthly countable income?

SSI work incentives include deductions for Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and money invested in a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS).

7. What if I get sick or lose my job?

If your SSI payment goes to $0 because of earnings, SSA may place you in a temporary ‘suspension.’ If you’re still eligible, payments can often restart when earnings drop—sometimes without a new application. If SSI was suspended too long and eligibility ended, you may need to reapply. If benefits ended due to work, you may be able to request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) within 5 years.

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