Many individuals with disabilities want to work, but may not pursue employment for fear of losing their Social Security or health care benefits. It can be difficult to think about going off benefits - but there are ways to successfully find employment while still receiving benefits.
This webpage and its accompanying resources exist to help Iowans understand how work earnings may impact their benefits and to provide resources that can help along the way, including: instructions for reporting wages to Social Security, informative videos about benefits, and other information to help with employment. Iowans with disabilities can work and be successful! It is important to remember these facts about benefits planning, working, and receiving Social Security benefits:
It is possible to work and keep Medicaid or Medicare in almost every case.
It is possible to work and come out ahead financially, even if benefits are reduced.
It is possible to receive disability benefits again if they are lost due to employment.
Benefits planning is not intended to force anyone off benefits, nor is it intended to help people maximize their benefits. It's about finding a successful plan for each individual.
About These Resources
The following pages provide employment options and resources, intended for the following:
- Recipients of Social Security disability benefits, including those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Ticket to Work.
- Families and professionals supporting Iowans with disabilities who are looking for employment support options.
- For all Iowans, these pages also help clarify some of the misconceptions surrounding Social Security disability benefits and employment.
For information about disability determinations, please visit the webpage for the Disability Determination Services Division of IWD.