Exceeded SSI income limits with new full-time job - worried about penalties and losing Medicare/Medicaid

First, take a deep breath. Yes, there will be consequences, but it's good you're being proactive. Since you've significantly exceeded the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals, SSA will likely determine you're no longer eligible for SSI. Regarding your specific questions: 1. Yes, you'll probably have to repay the SSI benefits you received for months when your income exceeded the limits. They calculate this monthly, not annually. 2. Medicare - You won't immediately lose your Medicare. Even if you lose SSI eligibility due to work, you're entitled to continued Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends under Extended Period of Medicare Coverage. 3. Medicaid rules vary by state, but many states have Medicaid buy-in programs for working individuals with disabilities. Look into your state's "Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities" program. 4. There typically aren't additional penalties beyond repayment unless SSA determines you intentionally withheld information, which doesn't sound like your case. Be completely honest on your redetermination forms. SSA will find out about your earnings through employer reporting anyway.

Hey there! You've got yourself in a bit of a pickle, but it happens to a LOT of people. I went through something similar last year when I picked up what was supposed to be seasonal work that turned permanent. One thing that really helped me was using Claimyr to actually get through to a SSA agent on the phone (https://claimyr.com). Before your redetermination, you might want to talk to an actual agent to understand your specific situation. I was on hold for HOURS trying to reach someone until I found their service. They got me through to an agent in under 30 minutes - you can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU When I talked to SSA, I learned that reporting my income changes right away would have saved me from some of the overpayment issues. But even with the overpayment, I was able to set up a very reasonable payment plan. Don't panic!

Sorry to jump in, but the previous response had some inaccurate information that might confuse you. There's an important distinction between SSI and SSDI that affects your situation: 1. For SSI (which you have), there is no Trial Work Period or SGA limit like with SSDI. Instead, SSI reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above $85/month (after a $20 general income exclusion). When your countable income exceeds the Federal Benefit Rate ($943/month in 2025), your SSI payment drops to zero. 2. Medicare continuation for 93 months applies to SSDI, not SSI. With SSI, Medicare eligibility is tied to your SSI eligibility, so unfortunately that extended coverage doesn't apply in your case. 3. Medicaid is typically linked to SSI eligibility, but as mentioned, Michigan does have a Medicaid buy-in program called "Freedom to Work" you should look into immediately. 4. For overpayments, you can request a waiver if repayment would cause hardship, or negotiate a payment plan. Definitely report everything honestly on your redetermination forms - attempting to hide income will only make the situation worse.

this happened to my cousin last year he had to pay back like $9000 to SSA ☹️ but they let him do a payment plan for like $50 a month so it wasnt too bad

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING!!! Social Security system is a TRAP that keeps disabled people in POVERTY!! I tried working part-time at Walmart and they kept giving me more hours. When I reported my income honestly, SSA slapped me with a $7,800 overpayment notice even though I TOLD THEM about my job when I started!!! They stopped my SSI immediately after my redetermination and it took 3 MONTHS for them to process my Medicaid change. I had to pay for my medications out-of-pocket for 3 months until they sorted it out!! And guess what? After 9 months at Walmart, my health got worse because I was pushing myself too hard, and I had to quit. Then I had to reapply for SSI all over again and wait ANOTHER 5 months with NO INCOME while they "processed" my case - even though I was previously approved! THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PUNISH DISABLED PEOPLE WHO TRY TO WORK!!!

Hey just wondering what kind of job you got? I'm on SSI too and really need to find something that pays decent but works with my limitations

To address the insurance concerns - you don't necessarily need to choose between working and healthcare. Look into these options: 1. Michigan's Freedom to Work program lets people with disabilities earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level while keeping Medicaid. You pay a small premium based on income. 2. If your employer offers health insurance, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period once your Medicaid ends. 3. The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) offers subsidized plans if your job doesn't provide insurance. 4. There's also the Ticket to Work program which provides employment support services while protecting some benefits. As for timing, SSA typically gives you at least 10 days notice before stopping benefits, and Medicaid usually continues until the end of the month when your SSI stops. They won't immediately demand the entire overpayment amount - you can request a payment plan or waiver. You're doing the right thing by being proactive about this situation!

make sure u save all ur paystubs and bring them when u meet with SSA. my friend didnt have them and they estimated his income way higher than it actually was

One thing nobody's mentioned yet - you might be eligible for SSDI now based on your recent work credits, which has different rules than SSI. Worth asking about when you talk to SSA. That could potentially help with the Medicare situation.

To answer your original question about PENALTIES - YES there are penalties beyond just paying back the money!! If they decide you "knowingly withheld information" (which they LOVE to claim), they can impose a penalty of an ADDITIONAL 50% of the overpayment amount!!! And they can also impose a 6-month or 12-month SUSPENSION of benefits even after you'd otherwise be eligible again!! And don't count on that payment plan being reasonable - they wanted $200/month from me on a $6000 overpayment which I COULDN'T AFFORD after losing my SSI!! Sorry to be so negative but I went through HELL with this exact situation and I'm still dealing with the fallout a year later.

Update: I called my local SSA office this morning and got nowhere - just an automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes (as usual). I think I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned because I really need to talk to a real person before I submit these forms. In the meantime, I've gathered all my paystubs and printed out my bank statements. I've also started researching Michigan's Freedom to Work program. The monthly premium seems reasonable compared to losing coverage completely. I'm still nervous but feeling a bit more prepared. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!