Letter to Report Earnings to Social Security
 

 


During the Trial Work Period, it is important to keep Social Security informed of your earnings and a record of how many Trial Work months remain. Keep a photocopy of the letter you send, and file it in case you need it in the future. The following is a sample letter that you could use.

Download the Letter to Report Earnings Social Security.

 
 





[Date]

Social Security Administration
[Street address]
[City, State, Zip Code]


Re:  Earnings during the Trial Work Period


Dear [Your Social Security Representative]:

I am writing to report to you that during the month of _______________, 200_. I was employed by [company name], which is located at [street address, city, state, zip code]. My gross monthly earnings were $_____. I have attached copies of these earnings.

Based on this earnings level, this month [counts/does not count (choose one)] as a Trial Work Period month. According to my records, I have _____ Trial Work Period months remaining.

Please notify me if you disagree with any of this information.

Sincerely,




[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Telephone Number]

[Your Claim Number]

  

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Putting It All Together: A Case Example
 

 

 

Pamela Watson, aged 34, was receiving benefits of $657 a month due to an AIDS diagnosis from PCP four years ago. She wanted to work but was afraid of losing her SSDI check and Medicare. She talked with her case manager and a Social Security representative and learned that through work incentives she could receive Medicare and cash benefits while she was working. For the first nine months her benefits would not be affected no matter how much money she earned, so Pamela started working part-time in a local business and earned $875/month:
 
Gross Earnings

SSDI

Total Income
$ 875

+ $ 657

= $ 1,532		  

At the end of 9 months (the Trial Work Period), Social Security evaluated Pamela's case. Since she was earning more than $810 (Substantial Gainful Activity level) per month, her benefit continued for 3 months and then stopped. Because she was still disabled, her benefits could be reinstated at any time during the next 36 months (the Extended Period of Eligibility) if her earnings dropped below $810.

During the first year after her Trial Work period Pamela's employer moved outside the city, where there was no bus service. Pamela hired a neighbor to drive her to work in the morning and paid a coworker to bring her home. The cost of these transportation services was $120 each month. She also purchased a special piece of medical equipment for $80 a month that made it possible to do her job. Those were counted as Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Pamela's countable income dropped to below the SGA of $810 per month:

 
Gross Earnings

IRWE -transportation

IRWE -equipment

Countable Earnings


$ 875

- $ 120

- $   80

=$ 675

  

 
Countable Earnings

Social Security check

Total Income


$  675

+ $  657

= $1,332

  

After a year, Pamela paid off the medical equipment and at the same time her earnings increased to $975 per month, increasing her countable earnings to $855 per month:

Her countable earnings were greater than the SGA level and so her SSDI checks stopped.

 ____________

 
Gross Earnings

IRWE -transportation

Countable earnings


$ 975

- $ 120

= $ 855

  


This example shows how a person can move in and out of the Social Security system while she is working. Work incentives create a safety net of continued benefits so that you can try to build your confidence at work and about your health before your benefits are reduced or stopped.

*  Based on an example from the "Handbook on Working While Disabled" published by the SSA.

 

  


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