Benefits
Think you can't work? Think again.
Having a job is an important part of life—and worries about losing your benefits shouldn’t hold you back. Benefits programs can provide a monthly income, health insurance, help to buy food, or provide other types of assistance.
There are many ways to work and still keep important supports like your Social Security or Medicaid benefits.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- “Will I lose my Social Security check if I work?”
- “Will my Medicaid go away?”
- “If I try working and it doesn’t work out, will I be able to get benefits again?”
You’re not alone. There are people who can help you find the answers.
Benefits Safety Tips
- Always report changes. Let Social Security know if your work hours, income, or living situation changes.
- Meet with a Benefits Counselor. Get clear, correct information before making big work or income changes.
- Keep good records. Save pay stubs, letters from Social Security, and benefit statements.
- Watch for scams. Social Security will never threaten you or demand money over the phone.
- Understand timelines. Some work incentives have deadlines—know them so you don’t lose your options.
Key Resources:
- Benefits Counseling: Learn how working affects your benefits (ask your VR counselor or local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program).
- Social Security Ticket to Work Site: Find supports to move toward financial independence.
- Job Accommodation Network: Get ideas for workplace accommodations.
More Helpful Topics to Explore
Things You Can Do Now in High School
- Meet with a Benefits Counselor before you start working.
- Learn about work incentives that allow you to work without losing benefits right away.
- Ask about programs that help you keep Medicaid even if your SSI payment stops because of earnings.
- Find out what happens at age 18 if you receive SSI (the “Age 18 Redetermination”).
Questions to Ask a Benefits Counselor
- How will working affect my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)?
- What work incentives apply to my situation?
- Can I keep my Medicaid or Medicare while working?
- What happens if I earn more than the income limit?
- What should I report to Social Security and how?
What I’ve Done and What’s Next
From this list, which are done and what do you want to work on next?
Ask a family member, friend or teacher to help you!
- I have met (or scheduled a meeting) with a Benefits Counselor.
- I understand at least one work incentive I could use.
- I know what will happen to my benefits when I turn 18.
- I have a plan for reporting my earnings to Social Security.