Try returning to work without losing Disability (2024)

FAQs

Try returning to work without losing Disability? ›

You can return to work for at least 9 months and still get your full Disability payment. We call this a “trial work period.” In 2024, any month you earn over $1,110 before taxes will count towards this trial. The months don't need to be consecutive, just within a rolling 5-year period.

Gather all the information on your job history in one place, so it's easy to refer to as you fill out the form. Give a full, detailed picture of each job you've held. Don't skip any questions, or leave anything blank. Think about tasks in each job that your health problems interfere with, and explain those tasks.

Tips on How to Pass a Continuing Disability Review

You should attend all your doctor appointments and follow your physician's advice. You do not want to have any gaps in your medical history. You should try new treatments for your condition recommended by your doctor that could help you enough to return to work.

In the "Remarks" section at the end, you can add information on how your medical condition affects your activities of daily living.

Being consistent in your responses is essential to build credibility. Prepare for Questions – Expect questions about your medical history, work history, and daily routine. Be ready to discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and any adjustments you've had to make due to your disability.

Activities of daily living include any activity you engage in on a daily basis such as showering, brushing your teeth, house cleaning, shopping, etc. The SSA needs to know if your condition causes pain or difficultly when performing any daily activity.

Function Report Question #10: What were you able to do before your illnesses, injuries, or conditions that you can't do now? This is a very important question. Spend time here explaining things you enjoy but can no longer do because of your disability. Be specific as to why you can no longer do them.

How do you describe pain to a disability judge? ›

Explain what starts up your pain or other symptoms, what makes them worse and what helps relieve them. Describe your symptoms to the judge the very best you can. Be precise and truthful. Don't exaggerate, but don't minimize your symptoms either.

A disability-related question is a question that is likely to elicit information about a disability. On the other hand, if there are many possible answers to a question and only some of those answers would contain disability-related information, that question is not disability-related.

At the review, we'll ask how your medical condition affects you and whether it's improved. We'll ask you to bring: • Your doctors' names, addresses, and phone numbers. Any patient record numbers for any hospitals and other medical sources that have treated you since we last contacted you.

Do most people pass a CDR? Yes, more than 90% of recipients pass continuing disability reviews.

Typically, when the SSA decides to start an investigation, they will have an investigator follow you at your Consultative Exam. The people who follow you are not police officers. The reason the SSA may spy on you at your Consultative Exam is that they know you will be at the exam.

The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

The report helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) understand how your disability affects your ability to work based on the tasks you've previously performed. For those who haven't worked recently, information about past jobs can still significantly impact your application.

We consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills you may have. If you can't do other work, we'll decide you qualify for disability benefits. If you can do other work, we'll decide that you don't have a qualifying disability and your claim will be denied.

The Work History Report (SSA-3369) helps Disability Determination Services (DDS) to obtain detailed vocational information about the jobs the applicant held in the 15 years prior to becoming unable to work due to his or her illnesses, injuries, or conditions.