SSD insurance can provide the financial support you need while you recover from an unexpected injury. However, if you reach a point in your recovery where you desire to return to work, you may wonder how necessary it is to verbalize this desire to the Social Security Administration.
Maintaining communication with SSA officials and providing regular updates about your condition can help you avoid costly consequences.
You start or stop work
The SSA has strict requirements that you must follow to legally receive benefits. Even when you file an application, if your disability does not fit the parameters of a disabling condition, they will deny your claim. Given the standard they uphold in determining who receives benefits, it is critical that you keep them informed of your intentions.
If you choose to go back to work, you need to contact the SSA and let them know. They provide a variety of incentives that may help you transition back into the workplace. According to the Social Security Administration, these work incentives include the following:
- Expedited reinstatement
- Trial work period
- Compensation for disability-related work expenses
- Continuation of Medicare
- An extended period of eligibility
You will also want to inform the SSA if you choose to discontinue working after you have started. This way they can adjust your benefits accordingly so long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Your hours or income change
Once you return to work, it is your responsibility to inform the SSA of any changes to the number of hours you work, as well as the value of your income. Both of these factors could impact your eligibility to continue receiving benefits. If you continue to collect payments when no longer eligible, you may face serious repercussions including a summons to repay full or partial benefits.
Having the option to maintain your benefits while also working can give you the support you need as you return to work.