When a disability forces you to step away from work, managing your health becomes your top priority. Over time, as your condition becomes more manageable, you may begin considering a return to work and how best to take that next step. This can also be an opportunity to rethink your career path and determine what type of work best fits your current needs and interests. Returning to work is an individual decision since every situation is different. However, there are helpful signs that can give you a better sense of when you are ready for this transition.
In addition, if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program provides a clear path forward, allowing you to explore work options while maintaining important benefit protections.
Understanding Health Stability
One of the most important areas to review when considering a return to work is the stability of your health. Recovering from a severe disability can take time, and progress often happens gradually.
You may notice fewer flare-ups, increased energy and more predictable symptoms. These improvements can allow you to manage a work routine more effectively. It is also important to speak with your healthcare provider about returning to work, as they can offer guidance based on your progress and specific condition(s).
Reviewing Daily Routines
Another factor to consider is how you are functioning on a day-to-day basis. If you are now able to complete personal tasks that used to cause fatigue or health setbacks, this may indicate that you are building the stamina that may sustain employment.
Some health conditions affect concentration, memory or decision-making, and improvements in these areas can also signal progress. If tasks that once felt confusing or overwhelming are becoming easier to manage, you may be ready for work-related responsibilities.
Assessing these areas can also help identify where accommodations might be warranted when you return to the workforce.
Re-Evaluating Career Priorities
After a disability-related break from work, many people reconsider not only what they are able to do, but what they want to do. You may find that your previous career no longer aligns with your physical abilities, energy level or long-term interests. Or you may realize that you want work that provides more flexibility or greater meaning.
This can be a perfect time to explore new career paths. Some individuals explore training or certification in a new industry. Others look for roles that use their existing skills and offer a different pace or environment. Understanding these priorities can help you find work that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Financial Considerations
Financial necessity can also be a major factor in the decision to work again. Rising expenses, long-term financial goals or the desire for greater independence encourage many individuals to re-explore employment. For SSDI recipients, it is important to understand how work affects monthly benefits and Medicare coverage.
The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work (TTW) Program provides a structured way to test your ability to work while protecting important benefits. Eligible individuals can explore part-time or full-time careers with guidance from vocational professionals who understand disability employment and TTW guidelines.
Some of the TTW protections include:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): Test your ability to work for up to nine non-consecutive months while still receiving your full benefits, no matter how much you earn.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the TWP, you have 36 months in which you receive your regular SSDI benefits in any month that your earnings are below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels (2026 amounts: $1,690 for non-blind individuals, or $2,830 for blind individuals).
- Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If your disability makes it impossible to continue working after your SSDI payments have stopped, you can request your benefits be reinstated without filing a new application.
Preparing For A Return To Work
Once you feel ready to re-enter the workforce, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself physically, mentally and professionally:
- Rebuild Your Daily Routine: Creating a consistent routine, such as waking up at the same time each day and following a daily schedule, can help rebuild stamina and provide insight into how your body may react to working again.
- Refresh Your Skills: Exploring online courses, certifications or volunteer work can help you feel more prepared and confident. Platforms like Coursera, edX and VolunteerMatch offer many options that you can complete at your own pace. Be sure to add any new training, certifications or volunteer experience to your resume to highlight the skills you’ve gained and your readiness to re-enter the workforce.
- Understand Your Workplace Needs: Consider what accommodations might help you succeed at work. Accommodations are your right under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can be geared toward your unique situation, including ergonomic equipment, a flexible schedule, modified workloads and more.
- Research Potential Jobs: You can explore job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder and ZipRecruiter to find roles that interest you and match your skills. Browsing job listings can also help you understand the skills that employers value and identify any additional training that could make you a stronger candidate.
- Explore Available Support: For individuals using Ticket to Work, Employment Networks (ENs) can help with resume updates, interview preparation, benefits counseling and exploring workplace accommodations. This support can make the transition feel less intimidating and allow you to focus on your health and career goals.
Empowering Your Next Steps With TTW
Deciding to return to work after a major health setback is an individual choice, and it’s normal to feel uncertain along the way. Re-evaluating your health, daily routines and career priorities will provide valuable insight into how to approach this transition. With today’s flexible work environments, online training resources and the support available through the Ticket to Work Program, many individuals find that returning to work after a disability can be an achievable and rewarding experience. If you’re ready to take the next steps, the TTW Program, combined with an SSA-authorized Employment Network can empower you to re-enter the workforce with confidence.