I am Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Thinking of going back to Work
This is the first of a multi-part blog about transition
to work from Social Security Disability. Our goal is to take you through the
entire process.
You are on Social Security Disability (SSDI) for a time
now and you are thinking you have to go back to work. There are a couple of
reasons why a person on SSDI would want to go back to work.
The first reason is because they have recovered from
their disability. The second reason is because they are bored with life and
need to be productive members of society again. The third is they need more
money.
If you have recovered, fantastic! You should by all means
get back into the workforce. You shouldn’t have any reservations. Just do it.
Let’s explore the second reason that you are bored and
need to be a productive member of society again. That sounds great. The first
question you need to ask yourself is do you really believe that you can work?
Remember, you spent a lot of time and energy convincing the Social Security
Administration that you could not work. SSA has accepted the fact that you
cannot work, now you are telling them that you can at least do some work.
Think about that just a little. Ask yourself these
questions. 1) Can you really go back to work? 2) How important are your Social Security
Disability benefits to you? There is a chance that by going back to work in any
capacity may jeopardize your benefits. 3) Can you live without your SSDI check
every month? 4) Can you find a different way to occupy your time and make you
feed productive? 5) What if I start to work and then I realize I can’t
continue?
Now let’s explore the third reason. You cannot live on
just your SSDI check. You need more money. You thought that going on SSDI would
keep you financially comfortable. This in my opinion is the hardest. The first
two reasons didn’t put you into a compelling situation. You can either stay at
the status quo of being on SSDI or not. If you do not have enough money to
live, you need to do something, right! Right! Let’s think about this. What
options do you have? Well, if you are able to do some kind of work, you may
need to try. You can also explore other avenues of help. Have you explored food
stamps? What about help with your rent. The US Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) has programs that give vouchers to people with disabilities
called Section 8 Vouchers which are given through your local Public Housing
Authority. You can read about this on their website at: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8.
Utilities also have programs for people with very low
incomes. My suggestion is that you contact your city’s City Hall and ask for
help in identifying these programs.
Next week we will get into what you need to do if you
decide that you want to go back to work.
disABLEDperson, Inc.
Anonymous Writer