Let a my Social Security Account Guide You Back to Work

By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Jim was named Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications in July 2015. He oversees national communications and public affairs programs, spreading the message that Social Security is with you through life's journey, securing today and tomorrow. He previously served as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Social Security's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

At Social Security, our lifetime commitment to you begins when you receive your Social Security number, continues through your working years, and wherever life takes you.

Social Security is always looking for ways to improve how we serve you. We want to provide access to all we have to offer. A personal my Social Security account is the portal to some of our most important services. If you receive benefits due to a disability, you can use your account to manage your benefits or to find out which type of benefit you receive, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

While many disabled individuals are unable to work, we know that some may want to try. When you're ready to return to the workforce or work for the first time, we're there. Work incentives are special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities to work and still receive monthly benefits and Medicare or Medicaid.

For disability beneficiaries, work incentives include a trial work period, extended eligibility, continuous medical coverage and more. For SSI beneficiaries, work incentives include work-related expenses if you are blind, earned income exclusion, educational training exclusions, and continuous medical coverage, among others. For more information, please read our Work Incentives blog or The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives.

If you think you're ready to go back to work, you can check out our Ticket to Work program. Ticket to Work offers beneficiaries with disabilities access to meaningful employment. Employment occurs with the assistance of Ticket to Work employment service providers called Employment Networks. The primary goal of employment networks is to assist you with a variety of work-related tasks to prepare you for the workforce. Our beneficiaries get help finding a job and staying employed, as well as instruction on their wage-reporting responsibilities to Social Security.

Many people have successfully completed the Ticket to Work program, and are now enjoying fulfilling careers and earning more income for their families. If this sounds like one of your goals for the future, you may want to explore this program to see if it's right for you.

Remember, your personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and your printable Social Security Statement. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits. Visit my Social Security to learn all you can do with your personal account.

When you sign up for a personal my Social Security account, we use a secure authentication process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security Statement information. In addition to your unique username and password, we further protect your my Social Security account with a secure code texted to your phone or e-mailed to you every time you log in.

It's easy, convenient, secure, and it is a part of our commitment to help you secure today and tomorrow.