SSDI not enough for RN - risks of returning to work at 61 (desk job vs. ICU)?

I went through this exact situation last year. The good news is that SSA has the Trial Work Period (TWP) that lets you test your ability to work for 9 months while still receiving your full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn. For 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a TWP month. The 9 months don't have to be consecutive either - they can be spread over a 60-month period. After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility. During this time, you'll get benefits in months where your earnings are below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - which is $1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals. As for Medicare, you'll keep it for at least 93 months after your TWP ends, even if your SSDI benefits stop due to work activity. I'd recommend the desk job to start - it's easier to increase hours than to discover the ICU is too physically demanding after you've committed. Also, make sure to report ALL work activity to SSA!

my sister went back 2 work after ssdi and they TOOK EVERYTHING away even tho she only worked part time!!!! be VERY CAREFULL the goverment does NOT want u 2 succeed they just want to cut u off!!!!

As a fellow RN (retired now), I'd suggest starting with the desk job. ICU work is incredibly demanding even at 2 shifts/week. My neighbor tried returning to the ER after being on disability and lasted only 3 months - the physical toll was more than expected even though she felt ready. The admin role gives you more flexibility to increase hours if it goes well.

I've been on SSDI for 4 years and just started working again 8 months ago. Here's what I learned: 1. SSA counts GROSS earnings toward the TWP threshold ($1,110 in 2025) 2. You MUST report your work activity to SSA (not just earnings but start dates, hours, job duties) 3. Keep ALL paystubs - you'll need them 4. Get a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from SSA before starting - it shows your current status 5. Expedited Reinstatement is available for 5 years if you need to stop working If you're making $2,450/month on SSDI, you probably had high lifetime earnings as an RN. The admin job is safer to start, but don't be afraid of the ICU if that's where your heart is. Just know your limits!

In response to the question about reaching SSA - I used a service called Claimyr last month when I needed to discuss my return to work situation. It got me through to a live SSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of the usual hours-long wait. I watched their demo video first (https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU) to make sure it was legitimate. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely worth it for important benefit questions like yours where you really need to speak to someone directly.

The rules for SSDI & work are confusing but you actually have LOTS of protections. Since your benefit is $2,450/mo, your ICU wages might push you over SGA limits faster than you think. But remember: - During TWP you keep full benefits NO MATTER WHAT you earn - After TWP, during EPE, you only lose benefits in months you earn over SGA - If you stop working within 5 years because of your condition, Expedited Reinstatement means you don't have to reapply Another option: The SSA has a Ticket to Work program with free benefits counseling. They can run calculations specific to your situation to show exactly how working would affect your benefits. Call 1-866-968-7842 for that service.

My daughter is a nurse and recently went back after disability. She made sure to set up direct deposit to a separate account for her work income so it's easier to track separately from her benefits. Just a practical tip!

One thing nobody's mentioned: check with your state about Medicaid if you have it as a Medicare supplement. Work earnings might affect that before your SSDI. Also ask your employer if they offer health insurance - might be cheaper than Medicare premiums if you're working part-time.

I went back to work after 2 years on disability (not nursing, office work). The most important thing is DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! Write down every call to SSA with date, time, who you spoke to, and what they said. I got conflicting info from 3 different SSA reps and the only way I protected myself was showing I'd followed the guidance I was given. Good luck!

As someone who just went through the return-to-work process after being on SSDI for 3 years, I can't stress enough how important it is to get everything in writing from SSA before you start. I made the mistake of relying on verbal information from phone calls and ended up with a mess when my case worker changed. Here's what I wish I'd known: request a written confirmation of your TWP status before starting any job. If you've never used your TWP months, you're in a great position. The desk job sounds like the smart choice - you can always transition to more demanding work later if your health allows. One more tip: if you do go with the ICU position, consider asking for accommodations under ADA like supportive shoes, compression socks, or frequent breaks. Your employer might be willing to work with you, especially given the nursing shortage. Whatever you decide, don't let fear keep you from trying. The safety nets are there for a reason, and at 61 with your experience, you have valuable skills that shouldn't go to waste if you're able to use them.