Who Should Read This Booklet?

You should, now that you're receiving Social Security disability benefits. You might think that, because the disability application process is over and your benefits are about to start, you no longer have to worry about Social Security. But what should you do if your condition improves? Or what if you want to go back to work but are afraid of losing your benefits?

Knowing the answers to these and other questions now will save you a great deal of time, inconvenience, and maybe some money later. That's why you should read this booklet now, then put it aside for reference later.

For Easy Reference, This Booklet is Divided into Four Parts:

• Your Disability Benefits
• Reporting Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits
• Reviewing Your Disability Case
• Helping You Return to Work

If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments, there are some additional rules for that program. Ask Social Security for a copy of the booklet, What You Need To Know When You Get SSI (Publication No. 05-11011).

What's Inside

• Your Benefit Amount
• When to Expect Your Benefit
• If You Get a Check by Mail
• Returning Payments Not Due
• Paying Taxes on Your Benefits
• How Long Payments Continue
• A Word about Medicare
• Benefits for Children
• If a Social Security Employee Visits You
• Free Social Security Services
• A Message about Food Stamps
• Your Personal Information Is Safe with Social Security

Part 2 -- Reporting Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits

• If You Move
• If Your Condition Changes
• If You Go to Work
• If You Go Outside The United States
• If You Receive Other Disability Benefits
• If You Get a Pension From Work Not Covered by Social Security
• If You Are a Spouse or Surviving Spouse Who Receives a Government Pension
• If You Get Married
• If a Person Is Not Able to Manage His or Her Own Funds
• If a Beneficiary Is Convicted of a Criminal Offense
• If a Beneficiary Dies
• How to Report a Change

Part 3 -- Reviewing Your Disability Case

• Frequency of Reviews
• What Happens During a Review
• Appeal Rights

Part 4 -- Helping You Return to Work

• Understanding "Substantial" Work
• Nine-Month Trial Work Period
• 36-Month Extended Period of Eligibility
• Medicare Continues
• Help with Work Expenses
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• If You Become Disabled Again
• Special Rules for Blind Persons Who Work

For More Information

Other Booklets Available

Social Security Administration
SSA Publication No. 05-10153
February, 1998
ICN 480165