Myth 4: If I Work, I'll Lose Disability Status

A friend of mine started working and then Social Security decided she didn’t have a disability anymore, so they cut her off completely. I don’t want that to happen to me.

You may have heard that if you are working, Social Security automatically assumes you no longer have a disability and then you're no longer eligible for any of their programs. This is not true.

Although Social Security may do a medical review of your case, they do not automatically stop your benefits just because you're working. They have to go through a process called the Continuing Disability Review (CDR) before they can stop your benefits. During the CDR, they gather your medical records and ask you (and sometimes your family or friends) for information about how your disability or health condition continues to affect your life.

Social Security may also say that you must see a doctor who has a contract with Social Security. If they decide your condition no longer meets their definition of disability, Social Security must notify you. If you disagree with their decision, you can file an appeal.

However, if you are using the Ticket to Work program, and you are meeting your goals and timelines, Social Security does not do a medical CDR while your Ticket is still valid. Visit the Ticket to Work website for more information about this program.