Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Working

SSDI is designed for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes but are now unable to work due to a disability. Generally, if you receive SSDI benefits, there are rules that limit your ability to work and still receive benefits.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and SSDI

The SSA uses a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether you can work and still be considered disabled. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 for blind individuals), your work will generally be considered “substantial,” and you may no longer be eligible for SSDI benefits.

If you earn less than the SGA amount, you can still receive SSDI benefits. However, if your earnings exceed the limit, the SSA may find that you are no longer disabled and could terminate your benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you are receiving SSDI and want to try working, you may qualify for a Trial Work Period (TWP). During this period, you can work and earn any amount without losing your SSDI benefits. A TWP allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving benefits for up to 9 months.

• A month of work counts as part of the TWP if you earn over $1,050 in 2025.
• Once you complete the 9 months of the TWP, you may continue to work, but the SSA will evaluate whether you are still able to perform SGA. If you continue to work above the SGA level, your benefits could be stopped.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After your TWP ends, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 months. During the EPE, you can continue receiving SSDI benefits for any month that your earnings are below the SGA level. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, your benefits will be suspended, but you can start receiving them again within the 36 months if your earnings fall back below the limit.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Working

SSI is a need-based program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. The rules regarding working while receiving SSI are slightly different from SSDI.

SSI Income Limits

• SSI is based on your income and resources. The SSA allows you to earn some income and still qualify for SSI benefits, but your benefits will be reduced based on your earnings. The more you earn, the lower your SSI benefits will be.
• For every $2 you earn above the monthly limit, your SSI benefit will be reduced by $1. This means if you earn above the SSI income limit, you may still receive reduced benefits but not the full amount.

What Counts as Income for SSI?

Income from wages, self-employment, or other sources can affect your SSI eligibility. However, certain income may be excluded, such as:

• The first $65 of earned income each month.
• $20 of unearned income (such as Social Security benefits or child support).
• Impairment-related work expenses (if you have a disability and incur costs to work).

Working and SSI Reporting

If you are working while receiving SSI, you must report your earnings to the SSA each month. Failing to report your income could result in overpayments, which you will need to pay back, or other penalties.

Ticket to Work Program

The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary program that provides support and services to individuals who want to work while receiving Social Security disability benefits. The program is designed to help people with disabilities transition to work and become self-sufficient.

• Free Services: The program offers free vocational rehabilitation, training, job coaching, and other services to help you find and maintain employment.
• Protection from Overpayment: If you participate in the Ticket to Work program, the SSA will not stop your benefits while you are attempting to work, even if your earnings exceed the SGA limit. You are protected from medical reviews while participating in the program, which gives you more time to work and improve your financial situation.

How Working Affects Your Social Security Disability Benefits

While working while receiving disability benefits is possible, it’s important to carefully track your earnings and report them accurately to the SSA. You should also be aware of how working could impact your benefits, as it may lead to a reduction or termination of benefits if your earnings exceed the limit for substantial gainful activity (SGA).

• If you work and your earnings are below the SGA threshold, you can continue receiving benefits.
• If you surpass the SGA threshold, your benefits may be suspended, but you can reapply if your condition worsens.
• Participating in programs like Ticket to Work can help you work while receiving support from the SSA without losing your benefits immediately.