What seniors and people with disabilities need to know before returning to the workforce
More and more people are going back to work after retirement or after receiving disability benefits. Some go back because they need extra income. Others go back because they miss the structure, the social connection, or simply the sense of purpose that work provides. Whatever the reason, going back to work is a completely valid choice.
But here’s the thing: before you accept that job offer, you need to understand what it could mean for your benefits. The rules are different depending on what kind of benefits you receive. And making the wrong move without knowing the rules first can cost you more than you expect.
At Northeast Independent Living Services (NEILS), we believe everyone deserves to make informed decisions about their independence and their future. So let’s break this down in plain language.
If You Receive Social Security Retirement Benefits
The good news first: you can absolutely work and still receive Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. But whether your benefits change depends on your age.
If you have already reached full retirement age, there is nothing to worry about. You can earn as much as you want from work and your Social Security benefits will not be reduced. Full retirement age is currently 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
If you have not yet reached full retirement age, there are limits to how much you can earn before your benefits are affected. In 2026, that limit is $24,480 per year. For every $2 you earn above that amount, Social Security will withhold $1 in benefits.
That might sound concerning, but here is the important part: the money withheld is not gone forever. Once you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit and gives you credit for what was withheld. Your monthly benefit actually goes up to account for it.
In the year you turn full retirement age, the limit is much higher at $65,160. And once you officially reach full retirement age, the limit disappears entirely.
So if you are already at full retirement age, returning to work has no downside from a Social Security standpoint. If you are younger than that, just be mindful of how much you are earning.
If You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
This one is a little more involved, but it is still manageable if you understand the rules.
Social Security actually wants people on disability to try returning to work. That is why they built in a safety net called the Trial Work Period. Here is how it works:
The Trial Work Period gives you 9 months to try working without any risk to your benefits. During these months, you receive your full SSDI payment no matter how much you earn. The 9 months do not have to happen in a row.
After the Trial Work Period, Social Security looks at whether your earnings cross what they call the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2026, that limit is $1,690 per month. If your earnings stay below that amount, you keep your benefits. If your earnings go above it, your benefits may stop.
The Extended Period of Eligibility gives you another 36 months of protection after the Trial Work Period ends. During this window, your benefits can be turned back on in any month where your earnings drop below the SGA limit. You do not have to reapply.
Expedited Reinstatement is one more safety net worth knowing about. If your benefits stop and then your income drops again within 5 years, you can request to have your benefits reinstated quickly without starting the whole application process over.
The key takeaway: SSDI has real protections built in for people who want to try working. You are not gambling with your benefits by giving work a try. You just need to know the rules and report your earnings to Social Security.
Medicaid and Home Care Services
This is where things get most personal for NEILS clients, and where getting advice before making a move really matters.
Missouri’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, has income guidelines. If returning to work raises your income, it could potentially affect your Medicaid eligibility. That could, in turn, affect your access to services like Consumer-Directed Services, home care support, and other programs that help you live independently.
This does not mean you cannot work. It means you need to understand your current income limits before your first paycheck arrives. The last thing anyone wants is to lose access to the in-home support that makes daily life possible.
If you are currently receiving home care services or Consumer-Directed Services through NEILS and you are thinking about returning to work, please call us before you start. We can help you think through the impact and connect you with the right resources to protect your coverage.
Steps Before You Return to Work
Whether you are returning to a part-time job, seasonal work, or something new entirely, here are some simple steps to take first:
Know your benefit type. Are you on Social Security retirement, SSDI, SSI, or some combination? Each one has different rules. If you are not sure, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.
Check your earnings limits. Know the numbers before you start earning. For retirement benefits under full retirement age, the 2026 limit is $24,480 per year. For SSDI, the monthly SGA limit is $1,690.
Report your work to Social Security. This is important. Do not wait. If you start working and earning, Social Security needs to know. Failing to report can lead to overpayments that you will have to pay back.
Talk to NEILS if you receive home care services. We can help you understand how working might affect your Medicaid-funded services and what your options are.
Consider a benefits counselor. Missouri has free Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselors who specialize in exactly this. You can reach Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services at 1-800-392-8667, or the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842.
Questions About Going Back to Work? NEILS Can Help.
If you are thinking about returning to work and you want to understand how it might affect your benefits and services, reach out to NEILS. We are here to answer your questions and connect you with the right resources.
Call NEILS today at 573-221-8282 or visit our Contact Us page to start the conversation.