4 Tips for Going Back to Work After a Long-Term Disability

Are you currently receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits but are eager to get back to work? If you have been improving since your serious medical condition or injury put you on long-term disability leave, some options allow you to go back to work part-time — but returning to work full-time after a disability is a different story.

For example, if you are still awaiting a legal settlement or have benefits that supply a more considerable income than your previous position, you risk losing Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and LTD benefits upon your return. However, depending on your situation, there may be options to resume working and still receive SSDI.

Here are four tips for returning to work after a long-term disability:

Contact Your Attorney

During a long-term disability case, it is essential to have an LTD lawyer who will help you through every step. An attorney will guide you through your LTD benefits, including your income-earning limits on Social Security. Since every disability case is different, it is essential to know your rights. Your lawyer can also advise you on what jobs you are permitted to work.

Approval From Your Doctor

When you start looking into returning to the workforce, it is vital that you contact the medical professional who has been treating you. Having your doctor provide clearance with proper medical documentation will allow you to work again. They should give you a rundown of what work is safe to do without further affecting your health. Your doctor should also monitor your progress to ensure you remain in compliance with the terms of your long-term disability agreement.

Ticket to Work Program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs that help people gradually transition off their benefits while finding the right job for them. The Ticket to Work program is designed to assist those who receive SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in returning to the workforce. The program provides employment networking opportunities, career counseling, and job placement. While this program is designed to help people move off long-term and short-term disability benefits, you will be able to keep your LTD benefits for a period of time, particularly if you cannot find a job right away.

Make Sure You Are Ready

After dealing with a long-term disability, it’s important to remain positive as you re-enter the workforce. You have to remember that you may not be able to perform the same duties you once did at your previous job. While your physical health is being assessed, your mental health plays a significant role in getting back out there. After being unable to work for a long time, returning to the grind can feel overwhelming.

Are you ready to get back to work? The highly trusted professionals at Rosen Moss Snyder LLP are dedicated to ensuring you get the LTD benefits you need to get back on your feet. As Philadelphia’s #1 long-term disability lawyers, we know what it takes to represent you after an injury or illness affects your life. Contact us today for more information!