Can my son voluntarily leave SSI to work without repaying benefits? PTSD + criminal record complications

He absolutely would NOT need to repay past SSI benefits if he improves and goes to work. SSI is not like a loan - it's assistance provided when needed. The SSA actually has programs designed to help SSI recipients transition to work. Look into the Ticket to Work program and PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support). The most important thing is that he reports any earnings to SSA promptly. His SSI amount will reduce as he earns income, but there are work incentives that let him keep some earnings without dollar-for-dollar reduction. Even if he earns enough that his SSI stops completely, he can often keep Medicaid coverage through the 1619(b) program. If he's feeling better and wants to try working, he should absolutely pursue that without fear of owing back payments.

my cousin was on SSI for like 5 years and got a job at walmart and nobody asked him to pay anything back. they just reduced his checks when he started working and eventually stopped them. but he didnt have to pay back the old money

Let me clarify some important details about SSI and work: 1. SSI recipients are NEVER required to repay benefits that were correctly paid. If he was eligible when he received them, they're his to keep. 2. SSI has specific work incentives designed to help people transition to employment: - The first $85 of monthly earnings has no impact on SSI benefits - After that, SSI is reduced by $1 for every $2 earned - He can keep Medicaid even if SSI payments stop due to work (1619b program) 3. Your son should connect with a WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) counselor - they provide free benefits counseling. 4. The Ticket to Work program offers employment support and protection from continuing disability reviews while participating. Encourage him to try working. The system has safeguards specifically designed for this situation.

My brother got SSDI (not SSI) but maybe similar? He tried working and they have this thing called Trial Work Period where u can work 9 months (doesn't have to be in a row) and still get full benefits. After that there's some other period where they slowly reduce it. He ended up back on full benefits when his health got worse again but nobody ever said ANYTHING about paying back the old checks.

I know exactly how frustrating dealing with SSA can be when you're trying to help someone navigate their benefits. When my daughter needed help with her disability application, I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at SSA by phone. Either busy signals, disconnected calls, or hours on hold. I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They have this great video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For your son's situation, I'd definitely recommend speaking directly with an SSA rep to get the specific details about his work options. Having a clear understanding directly from SSA would give him peace of mind about trying employment without risking repayment issues.

One more important thing - if your son is seriously interested in working, he should also look into whether his state offers any special programs for people with criminal records. Many states now have re-entry programs that can help with job placement, additional training, and sometimes even incentives for employers who hire people with past convictions. These programs combined with SSA's work incentives can make a huge difference in successful transitions. The combination of PTSD and a felony record does make employment more challenging, but it's absolutely possible with the right supports in place.

hey just curious how did ur son qualify for SSI with a prison record? my brother got denied and they said something about felonies making it harder

It makes me SO ANGRY how SSA sets people up to fail! $1150 isn't enough to live on ANYWHERE in this country, but if you try to supplement with work they slash your benefits! And the reporting requirements are IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with perfectly! One mistake and they'll demand thousands in repayments!!! I'm not saying don't try working - just be EXTREMELY careful about reporting EVERY PENNY earned and keep ALL documentation. The system is designed to trap people in poverty, and they'll use any excuse to say you committed fraud.

I've been on SSI for 15 years and tried working 3 different times. One thing nobody mentioned is how SLOW the SSA is with adjusting your benefits when you report income. One time I reported my new job immediately, but they didn't adjust my check for 3 months, then suddenly wanted all that money back! I had to set up a payment plan. Not saying this to discourage your son, but make sure he SAVES some money when he starts working because the adjustments are never smooth or timely.

Thank you all so much for the information and advice. My son and I talked about everything shared here, and he feels much more confident about trying to work knowing he won't automatically owe back all his past benefits. We're going to: 1. Look into the Ticket to Work program and find a WIPA counselor 2. Research our state's re-entry programs for people with felony records 3. Set up a savings account to prepare for any benefit adjustment delays 4. Try to get clear documentation from SSA about his reporting responsibilities He's still nervous about the process but feels hopeful for the first time in years. His therapist agrees that meaningful work could be really beneficial for his recovery, especially if he can find something that accommodates his anxiety triggers. I can't thank this community enough for all the guidance!