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Will my disabled adult child lose SSDI and Medicare permanently if he works over SGA limit?

I've been receiving SSDI for about 6 years now, and my son (who's 27 with developmental disabilities) gets DAC benefits on my record. He's been offered a job that might push him over the substantial gainful activity limit ($1550/month in 2025 I think?). I'm thrilled he might have this opportunity, but also worried about the long-term implications. I understand if he earns over the SGA limit, both his DAC benefits AND his Medicare would stop. Is that right? What's really keeping me up at night is - what if he tries working for a year or two but it doesn't work out? He wouldn't have enough work credits for his own SSDI claim. Could he get back on DAC benefits under my record? His own potential SSDI (if he even qualified) would be MUCH lower than what he gets on my record. Would his Medicare restart automatically too? I don't want to discourage him from trying to work, but we need to understand the safety net situation. Thanks for any help!

Gemma Andrews

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my brother gets DAC on my dads record and ya if they work over the limit those benefits get terminated. not sure about getting back on but i think its possible if they call it an 'unsuccessful work attempt'?? someone else prolly knows more details

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Lena Schultz

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Thanks for responding! I've seen that term 'unsuccessful work attempt' on the SSA website too. Hoping someone can clarify if that applies to DAC benefits specifically.

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Pedro Sawyer

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OK so my situation is a little different but I was on SSI not SSDI and I tried working and it messed EVERYTHING up!! I went over the limit for just THREE MONTHS and they cut me off completely and I had to reapply from scratch which took over a year and I lost my medicaid and everything. The system punishes people for trying to work its ridiculous. DONT LET HIM DO IT!!!!

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Mae Bennett

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SSI and DAC benefits under SSDI have completely different rules though. The situation you're describing isn't really comparable since SSI is needs-based while DAC benefits follow different regulations for reentitlement after work activity. Your experience doesn't necessarily apply here.

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There's actually good news here. Your son CAN return to DAC benefits if his job doesn't work out, as long as he still meets the disability requirements and hasn't married. This is covered under what's called the "Extended Period of Eligibility" (EPE) and reentitlement provisions. If your son works above SGA, here's what happens: - His DAC benefits will be suspended (not terminated) after a Trial Work Period - His Medicare continues for at least 93 months after the Trial Work Period - If he stops working or drops below SGA within 5 years, he can be automatically reinstated without a new application SSA actually has specific provisions for DAC beneficiaries returning to benefits. You should look into the Ticket to Work program which can help him test his ability to work while providing protections. One important thing though - make sure he reports his work activity to SSA right away. Not reporting can create bigger problems later.

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Lena Schultz

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This is INCREDIBLY helpful, thank you! I didn't realize Medicare could continue for so long even after benefits are suspended. And the 5-year reinstatement window gives me much more peace of mind. Is there a specific form we need to fill out when he starts working to make sure everything is properly documented?

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Melina Haruko

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I went thru this with my daughter!! Its super confusing and the SSA people tell u different things every time u call! The key thing is the trial work period - your son gets 9 months (don't have to be consecutive) where he can earn any amount and still keep benefits. After that if he earns over SGA they'll suspend payments but like someone else said he can get back on if he stops working without having to reapply as long as its within 5 yrs. BUT!!!! Make sure u keep ALL paystubs and documentation because they will audit and if the numbers don't match up they'll claim overpayment and demand money back!!!!!

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Lena Schultz

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Thanks for sharing your experience! The inconsistent info from SSA reps is exactly what I'm worried about. Good tip about keeping all documentation - I'll make sure we set up a good system for that from day one.

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so did anyone tell the OP about the work incentives like IRWE and subsidy that could let the kid earn more without losing benefits? my cousin deducts transportation costs and special equipment as IRWE and it keeps her under the limit even though her actual paycheck is higher

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Great point! Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) can be deducted from countable income when determining SGA. This includes special transportation costs, medical devices, medication, or even job coaches that are necessary because of the disability. There's also "subsidy" where SSA counts only the value of the actual work performed if the employer makes accommodations. Both can help keep earnings below SGA level for benefit purposes.

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Reina Salazar

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I've been trying to reach SSA for weeks about a similar situation with my nephew and it's impossible! Always busy signals or disconnects after waiting for hours. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and their website is claimyr.com if anyone else is struggling to get through. The agent I spoke with confirmed that DAC benefits can be reinstated if work is unsuccessful, but they recommended scheduling an appointment with a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor for personalized guidance.

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Lena Schultz

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Thank you! I've been trying to get through to SSA too without success. I'll check out that service. The WIPA counselor sounds like exactly what we need - I didn't even know that resource existed.

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Gemma Andrews

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what about him trying part time work first? might be safer to stay under the limit while he sees if he can handle working

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Melina Haruko

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Thats what my daughter did!! Started with just 10 hrs a week and we calculated exactly how many hours she could work without going over. Its good to test the waters!!!

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Mae Bennett

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Just to clarify some details with accurate numbers for 2025: - The SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals - The Trial Work Period (TWP) threshold is $1,110/month - During the TWP (9 months within a rolling 60-month period), your son can earn any amount without affecting benefits - After TWP completion, if earnings exceed SGA, benefits are suspended but can be reinstated within the Extended Period of Eligibility (36 months) - After EPE, expedited reinstatement is available for 5 years Medicare continues for at least 93 months after the TWP ends, regardless of whether he's receiving cash benefits. The key advantage for DAC beneficiaries is that they can return to the higher benefit amount based on the parent's record even after attempting work, provided they still meet the disability criteria and haven't married.

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Lena Schultz

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Thank you so much for these specific numbers! This makes it much clearer. The 9-month trial period plus the 36-month EPE plus 5 years of expedited reinstatement is a pretty substantial safety net. And knowing Medicare continues for 93 months is a huge relief.

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Pedro Sawyer

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Also DONT FORGET about the medicaid buy-in program if hes over the limit!!! In most states if ur working with a disability u can buy into medicaid even if ur over income limits!!! They DONT TELL U this stuff on purpose!!!

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Mae Bennett

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That's the Medicaid Working Disabled program, and yes, it's an important option. Requirements vary by state, but it allows people with disabilities who work to maintain Medicaid coverage by paying a small premium, often on a sliding scale based on income. It's actually a great supplement to Medicare since it can cover personal assistance services that Medicare doesn't.

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