SSDI/SSI recipients can test working via Trial Work Period + Extended Period of Eligibility — benefits continue if trial fails.
Social Security's Ticket to Work + Work Incentives program lets SSDI/SSI beneficiaries attempt employment: (1) 9-month Trial Work Period earning ANY amount without benefit loss, (2) 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility with benefits any month earnings dip below SGA ($1,620/mo 2025), (3) 5-year Expedited Reinstatement if you have to stop work, (4) continued Medicaid via §1619(b) even after cash SSI stops. De-risks return-to-work attempt.
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$19K/yr contributions grow tax-free for disability expenses without disqualifying SSI/Medicaid.
Parents/grandparents fund an SNT that pays supplemental needs without counting against SSI/Medicaid limits.
42 U.S.C. §1396p(d)(4)(A) trust shelters a disabled person's OWN money (settlement, inheritance) from Medicaid.
Employed ABLE beneficiaries not participating in an employer retirement plan can add up to $15,650 on top of the $19K limit.
Non-refundable federal credit up to $1,125 for low/moderate-income permanently disabled or 65+ taxpayers.
SSA Plan to Achieve Self-Support lets SSI recipients shelter income/assets used for training, equipment, business.
Out-of-pocket disability-related work costs (equipment, transportation, attendant) reduce SGA-countable earnings.
SSI recipients who are blind can deduct ANY work-related expense (not just impairment-related) from countable income.