Hi Holli,

Thank you for reaching out. We are so excited to hear that the interviewing process is moving forward for you!

It seems that the main thing you want to think about is if the wage for this job is over your SSDI limit and would therefore cause you to lose those benefits - is that something that you would want to risk losing?

Since you are concerned about taking on a large workload, but still want to keep busy, consider some other options for easing back into work, such as a part-time or temporary job (one that also wouldn't interfere with your SSDI) or volunteering.

Best of luck with your decision, let us know how else we can help!

Take care,

Kelsey, Associate Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi Kelsey.  Thank you for your response.  My understanding is that I could earn over the limit during the trial work period (that's what it says in the Red Book).  But reading betwen the lines of what your saying, I'm wondering if there's more gray area with that.  I do want to work but don't want to jeopardize benefits because I think I need to get back gradually.

Some of my issues have to do with a lot of anxiety about being able to find a job and being able to save for retirement.  I really took a hit these past years between unemployment, underemployment, and then cancer.

Hi Holli,

I am so sorry you've had such a challenging run, it is so much to deal with. We're definitely not saying your understanding is incorrect, we'd just advise you confirm with them directly and make sure there isn't anything else you need to consider (like are there limits on the income you can earn in that 9-month time period?). The return to work programs are set up to allow for exactly this kind of thing so that if it turns out you aren't really ready to be back at a level of work that would sustain your needs you'd still have your benefits. We just want you to thoroughly understand everything so there are no surprises. And, since we aren't social security disability experts we'd just encourage you cover all your bases. The National Cancer Legal Services Network might be a helpful resource for you, they have listings for pro-bono services (http://www.nclsn.org/).

We also have a lot of information on looking for work post-cancer that may be of use to you down the road. All can be found here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work.

Keep up posted and let us know how else we can help!

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca V. Nellis
Chief Mission Officer
Cancer and Careers

Great advice.  I found a legal clinic that may be able to help.