Use this checklist before making a decision

Explore work options, accommodations, Ticket to Work, benefit reporting, taxes, and how earnings may interact with Social Security or other programs. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Identify every benefit and coverage program that could be affected by earnings or hours.
  • Use official work-incentive information and report wages as required.
  • Estimate transportation, clothing, equipment, taxes, and benefit changes—not only gross pay.
  • Describe the workplace barrier and possible accommodation.
  • Verify job postings and never pay for a job, equipment check, or application.
  • Keep pay stubs, schedules, accommodation requests, benefit reports, and agency confirmations.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Pensions, and Income Benefits, Disability Rights, Accessibility, and Accommodations, Accessible Transportation and Medical Travel.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.