Story perspectives

Ticket to Work Lets SSDI Recipients Test Self-Employment

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Ticket to Work program lets Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients test self-employment, permitting up to nine work months in a 60-month window and a three-month grace period.
Eligibility provides SSDI when earnings stay below SGA levels of $1,690 (non-blind) or $2,830 (blind).
If benefits end, Expedited Reinstatement restores SSDI for 60 months and extends Medicare 93 months.
Employment Networks provide counseling, benefits advice, and referrals for self-employed participants.

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Story summary

The Ticket to Work program lets Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients test self-employment, permitting up to nine work months in a 60-month window and a three-month grace period.
Eligibility provides SSDI when earnings stay below SGA levels of $1,690 (non-blind) or $2,830 (blind).
If benefits end, Expedited Reinstatement restores SSDI for 60 months and extends Medicare 93 months.
Employment Networks provide counseling, benefits advice, and referrals for self-employed participants.