Where Do My Benefits Go, If I Go To Work?

This is an important question, because there are a lot of recipients that want to work.  There are provisions called “work incentives” for those individuals. 

One provision is the Ticket to Work- Work Incentives.  These include being able to work during a “Trial Work Period” which allows you to work and see how things turn out.  You will NOT lose your benefits automatically during the Trial Work Period; you will receive full benefits no matter how much you earn.  You only need to report your work activity.

The Trial Work Period lasts until you accumulate 9 months of work (not necessarily consecutive months) within a 60 month period of time.  Once you have accumulated 9 months of work, you can earn up to $900 per month without losing your benefits.  For additional 36 months after the Trial Work Period any time your income falls below $900 per month, your benefits will be automatically reinstated.

If you are disabled and working, your Medicare benefits continue for 4.5 years after you begin work, and there is no premium charge for Medicare Part A.  Because of the work incentives, the coverage for individuals with disabilities trying to work, is FREE during that period of time.

If you are trying to work and receiving Medicaid, there are provisions available for most states to be able to provide any Medicaid recipients with disabilities.  It is important that you check with your state Medicaid office to determine if you can maintain your Medicaid while working.

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: benefits, General-Medicare, medicaid, Ticket to Work, work, work incentives