Hi Susan, 

Thanks for reaching out to us. First, let me say that you do not ever need to say a word about your cancer diagnosis if you do not want to. Yes, you can absolutely say that you retired however I would add the caveat that the word retirement may denote a meaning that isn't positive, depending upon who you are talking to. What I mean is that for some people, it means that you are done working or that you might decide to "retire" again. 

I suggest just saying that you left your job with the intent of finding a part-time job that is a good fit for your transferable skills. You took a much needed break and now are excited to go back to work doing something new for a company you can contribute to. 

Take care,

Julie

Hi Susan,

On top of Julie's great response above, I wanted to let you know that we will also weigh in on your questions regarding SS Disability in conjunction with returning to work. We are discussing the question with our legal experts and will get back to you shortly.

Best,

Sarah, Cancer and Careers Associate Manager of Programs

Thank you both for your thoughts, this has made a difference on how I will approach an interview and how I will re-do my resume.

Thank you,

Susan

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for reaching out to us! I just want to note a
few important points about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

After receiving Social Security disability benefits, many
survivors want to try working again. The Social Security Administration has special rules called work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work and still receive monthly SSDI benefits. You also can get help with education, rehabilitation and training you may need in order to work though the Ticket to Work program.

More specifically, special rules allow people receiving SSDI
to work full-time and still receive payments, until they can return to work permanently (or, in your case, go back to retirement benefits). While attempting to return to work, a beneficiary may keep full cash benefits, keep Medicaid or Medicare, and receive help with the education, training, and rehabilitation mentioned above. The trial work period lasts up to a total of 9 months, within a 60-month period. Then, a beneficiary has 36 months to work and recieve benefits for any month their earnings are not “substantial.” In 2013, earnings of $1,040 per month are considered “substantial.” If a beneficiary cannot continue working after this period, their benefits will resume.

The Ticket to Work Program could help obtain vocational
rehabilitation, training, job referrals and other employment support services free of charge. For more information, I suggest you read more about Ticket to Work here or call them at 1-866-968-7842, and contact the Social Security’s Online Work Site at http://www.ssa.gov/work/.

Please feel free to reach back if you have any questions at
all about this!

Warmly,

Eva LaManna, Esq.

Manager of Programs

Please note that the above information is designed to provide general information on the topics presented. It is provided with the understanding that the Cancer and Careers is
not engaged in rendering any legal or professional services in the information
provided above. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for
professional services.

Thank you so much forthis info about SSDI. I did talk with a representative who said everythink you did about the Ticket to Work program and gave me a contact to call to get it goining. Well when I called them they said I was too old for the program.i will be 64 in February.  Only one year and I will be 65. So I am not certain where that leaves me. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Susan

Hi Susan,

I'm so glad you reach back with this follow-up question. Although we aren't experts on the Ticket to Work program and SSDI, a quick search brings up the page: http://www.choosework.net, which you can see says that "If you are age 18 through 64 and receive SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you already qualify."

I know it's annoying, but sometimes when you call a government office and don't find the information you need, the best thing to do can be to call again and keep trying! 

Please, again, feel free to reach back or give us a call with any further questions.

Warmly,
Eva

Thank you Eva, I will call again.

Susan