Are there other benefits associated with Social Security disability?
The main additional benefit that comes with an approved Social Security disability claim is that you’re automatically eligible for health care coverage through Medicare after 24 months.
Normally, you won’t qualify for Medicare until your 65th birthday, but those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are eligible at a younger age. If you became disabled long before your SSDI claim is approved, you may be able to receive retroactive credit toward the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility.
The SSA will conduct periodic reviews to ensure your disability is ongoing and that all coverage and benefit payments are legitimate. Your Medicare coverage and disability benefits will end if you can return to work in the future. However, the SSA offers several employment resources called work incentives to those who have either recovered from their condition or who can work under certain circumstances.
Can you work while on disability?
The SSA has specific rules regarding working while collecting disability benefits.
Since many people with disabilities would prefer to work rather than receive benefits, the SSA will allow a nine-month Trial Work Period to allow you to try to return to employment. A “trial work month” is any month where earnings exceed $1,160 in 2025 or $1,210 in 2026. The trial work period continues until you have nine cumulative trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
After your trial work period, there is an extended period of eligibility for 36 months. During this time, your benefits will stop if Social Security considers your earnings substantial. In 2025, Social Security considers your earnings substantial if you earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you’re blind). These thresholds rise to $1,690 per month (or $2,830 if you're blind) in 2026.
Remember that if you do decide to go back to work -- or if your medical condition has improved -- you must alert the SSA. While you can earn a minimal income while receiving SSDI payments, earning more than the monthly threshold for an extended time will lead to the eventual loss of benefits.
