Many stroke survivors worry about losing critical benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Medicaid, if they return to work or volunteer. Fortunately, there are several work incentives and government programs that allow stroke survivors to maintain these benefits while re-entering the workforce. This article explains how survivors can navigate the process of returning to work or volunteering without sacrificing their essential benefits.
1. Understanding SSDI Work Incentives
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers work incentives that allow individuals receiving SSDI benefits to try working without immediately losing their benefits. These include:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): This allows SSDI recipients to work for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) without losing benefits. If a survivor earns more than $1,050 in a month, it counts as a Trial Work Period month.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the Trial Work Period, survivors enter the EPE, which lasts for 36 months. If they continue working but earn less than $1,470 (in 2024), they will still be eligible for SSDI.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): SSDI recipients may deduct the cost of work-related expenses (e.g., medical supplies, transportation) from their earnings, which can help lower countable income.
For more details on SSDI work incentives, visit the SSA website: www.ssa.gov.
2. Medicare and Medicaid Benefits for Working Survivors
- Medicare:
Medicare benefits generally continue for up to 93 months after a Trial Work Period, even if earnings exceed the SSDI threshold. If survivors remain disabled but continue to work, they can keep Medicare coverage during this period.After 93 months, survivors may still be eligible for Medicare if they meet specific criteria or if their income remains below certain thresholds.For more information about Medicare coverage, visit: www.medicare.gov. - Medicaid:
Medicaid eligibility can be maintained through the 1619(b) program, which allows individuals to continue receiving Medicaid benefits even if their income exceeds regular eligibility limits. The exact income limit depends on the state, so it’s essential to check local guidelines.- Medicaid Buy-In: Some states offer Medicaid Buy-In programs, where individuals can purchase Medicaid coverage if their earnings exceed the limit for standard Medicaid.
3. The Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work Program is a free program offered by the SSA to help SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients return to work. This program offers vocational counseling, job training, and placement services to help stroke survivors find a job that fits their abilities while still receiving SSDI or SSI.
For more information on the Ticket to Work Program, visit: http://www.choosework.ssa.gov.
4. Volunteering Without Losing Benefits
Volunteering is an excellent way for stroke survivors to re-enter the workforce without risking the loss of SSDI, Medicare, or Medicaid. While volunteering typically doesn’t provide financial compensation, it offers valuable social and emotional benefits. Some volunteer programs offer stipends or reimbursements for travel or other expenses, which can provide a small source of income without jeopardizing benefits.
If you are considering volunteering, ensure that the program does not offer compensation that might be considered substantial enough to affect your benefits.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation and Support Services
Stroke survivors can also connect with vocational rehabilitation services that help individuals with disabilities find appropriate employment. Vocational rehabilitation counselors can provide job placement, training, and workplace modifications to help survivors transition back to work. These services are typically offered through local state agencies.
For more information on vocational rehabilitation, visit: National Rehabilitation Information Center.
Who to Contact to Maintain Your Benefits
To ensure that you maintain your benefits while working or volunteering, it’s important to connect with the right organizations and professionals:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
For information on work incentives and maintaining SSDI benefits, connect with the SSA directly. - Medicare and Medicaid Offices
Speak with a representative from your local Medicare or Medicaid office to understand how your healthcare coverage will be affected by returning to work. - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Vocational counselors can help you explore job opportunities and ensure that you are using the right programs to support your employment goals.
Thinking about going back to work or volunteering after your stroke? Reach out to the Social Security Administration, your local vocational rehabilitation center, or an expert in work incentives today to learn how you can maintain your benefits while achieving your career or volunteer goals.
Returning to work or volunteering after a stroke can be an important step in the recovery process. By understanding available work incentives and connecting with the right resources, stroke survivors can maintain their essential benefits—like SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid—while re-engaging in the workforce or volunteer opportunities. With the right guidance and support, survivors can balance their financial, health, and recovery needs as they work toward rebuilding their lives.
Beyond Stroke Survival 
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