Ticket to Work: 2007 Rules for SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance

In 2007, only total earnings of $640 or more is considered a 'trail work' period. If a disabled worker earns less than $640 a month in income, (after expenses), or, if self-employed, (after expenses), then there is no need to report you income to Social Security. This is a different program than 'Free Vocational Rehabilitation for SSDI Recipients'.

The Ticket to Work is briefly mentioned in articles because the federal rules change every year. Although Medicare is a federal program, it is administered differently within each state. If fall below income limits, the state you live in pays for the premiums for your Medicare part A & B.

SSDI is not Supplemental Security Income, (SSI). To be eligible for SSI or SSDI, must be disabled. The difference between the two is that SSDI is funded by the Federal Insurance Contribution Act, (FICA), that is the automatic deduction on your paycheck. FICA income taxes taken out of your pay check is the amount calculated to find your monthly SSDI benefits. The subsistence income level is different for each state and if your SSDI monthly benefit amounts falls below that particular state's income floor, then SSI kicks in to bring that disabled person's income up from below calculated subsistence level.

This article is for people on SSDI only because SSI is different for each state. SSDI beneficiaries who receive more that the state's subsistence level may still get extra help with medical expenses. The Federal Poverty Level, (FPL), for an individual in 2007 is $851 per month or $10, 210 a year.

If a SSDI beneficiary, you have no need to report any earnings to SSA if earn less than $640 a month in 2007 or self-employed and less then $640, (after expenses). If you spend more than 80 hours in your own business then there is no need to report any earnings to Social Security.

You have nine trial months to use up, which can be discontinuous, within a 60-month period. During the nine-month trial work period, there are no limits on your earnings.