Published 21 February 2023
As we settle into the new year, the labor market is still in flux. Employers are more open to remote, hybrid, and other work formats, and the economy is grappling with the possibility of an impending recession. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries seeking to return to work can leverage this job market not only to find employment but to secure positions that offer solid potential career paths. There really is no better time than now for Americans with disabilities to find rewarding jobs.
Americans with disabilities are returning to work in significant numbers. More than 35% of the disability community ages 18-64 were employed in September—the highest rate since the U.S. began tracking this figure in 2007, and up from 31% just before the pandemic. By contrast, 78% of adults without disabilities were employed, about the same as the pre-pandemic figure.
This surge is largely attributed to a tight labor market that has persisted for about two years. Employers’ shifting perspectives on work-from-home and hybrid environments, along with other accommodations, are attracting workers with disabilities to fill open positions.
Explore the World of Overlooked Programs and Benefits
More than 159 million American workers are insured for coverage under the SSDI benefits program. The primary benefit is receiving monthly income when continuing to work becomes impossible due to a severe disability. Approximately 7.6 million former workers received SSDI benefits in December, averaging $1,337 monthly.
However, this is not the only benefit for SSDI beneficiaries. Individuals have the option to enroll in the SSDI’s Ticket to Work (TTW) program, which facilitates beneficiaries returning to the workforce. TTW is designed to encourage work by providing benefits protections, including the expedited restarting of SSDI payments if their medical condition worsens after returning to work, as well as ongoing Medicare coverage for several years.
Many Americans could benefit from SSDI and TTW than have already, but there is a lack of information in the workforce about these vital protections. If you are approaching the job market after a break, researching available programs and benefits can be an encouraging and informative step.
Seek and Ask for Accommodations
The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to re-evaluate their business operations, resulting in a more flexible workplace environment.
Remote work has become a permanent fixture, with recent statistics indicating that 74% of U.S. companies are either currently using or planning to implement a hybrid work model. Flexible offerings, such as core working hours and physical accommodations, have become more common. Employers are more actively considering the necessary steps to create a comfortable and productive work-from-home environment.
Such accommodations reveal that there are many jobs available offering flexibility that can help workers with disabilities integrate comfortably into the workplace without the need to disclose their disabilities.
Work With an Employment Network (EN)
Even if your ideal job is not aligned with the flexibility movement, there are ways to request accommodations and navigate the job search process effectively. Employment Networks (ENs) offer invaluable resources to assist in asking for the necessary accommodations and managing the job application process from start to finish.
ENs are certified to provide these services to SSDI beneficiaries. They deliver career counseling and job placement services, advise on how to access benefits and TTW incentives, and ensure you understand that your SSDI benefits are protected while empowering you to take steps toward improving your financial future.
For Long-Term Success, You Need Good Resources — and Motivation
Considering the favorable economic and labor market conditions, there is no reason for SSDI beneficiaries to hesitate in transitioning back to work. Some experts predict that this robust job market may not last much longer, and while workplace culture continues to evolve to better support workers with disabilities, this group of workers has been historically marginalized. Thus, individuals with disabilities have every right to be cautious about their job security.
This context reinforces the importance of supportive programs and the proactive efforts of many employers to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive job market. Ultimately, whether disabled or not, individuals thrive in environments where they receive support and the necessary tools for success.
Regardless of the reasons for taking time off, the most crucial factors in returning to employment are motivation, personality, and morale. With the right attitude and support from ENs alongside essential benefits programs such as TTW, Americans with disabilities can confidently re-enter the workforce.
Disclaimer
This article represents the views of the contributing adviser, not the iBestTravel editorial staff. You can verify adviser records through the SEC or FINRA.
