Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which determines whether you are engaging in work that is considered too substantial for you to still be classified as disabled. Here’s how it works:

• SSDI: If you earn above a certain income threshold, known as the SGA limit, the SSA may determine that you are no longer eligible for SSDI benefits because they assume you can work full-time. For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month.
• SSI: For SSI, the income limit is lower. If you earn above the SSI income limit, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced or eliminated based on your income.

If you work part-time but earn less than the SGA limit, you can continue receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP) for SSDI

For SSDI recipients, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving full disability benefits. During the TWP, you can earn any amount without losing your SSDI benefits. Here are some key points:

• The TWP allows you to work for up to 9 months within a 60-month period.
• You can earn any amount during the TWP without affecting your benefits, as long as you report your earnings.
• After the TWP ends, if you continue to earn more than the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits may stop.

The TWP gives you a safety net to test your ability to return to work without immediately losing your benefits.

Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits

If you return to work and your SSDI or SSI benefits are stopped because you’re earning above the SGA limit, you may still have options. The SSA offers an Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits program, which allows you to restart your benefits without a new application process if you find that you can no longer work at the level you expected.

• If you earn above the SGA limit and your benefits are stopped, but you can no longer maintain that level of work, you can request an Expedited Reinstatement.
• The SSA may restart your SSDI or SSI benefits if your medical condition worsens or you’re unable to continue working at the required level.

Impact of Work on SSI Benefits

With SSI, the amount you can earn before it affects your benefits is lower than with SSDI. If you work part-time, your SSI benefits will be reduced based on how much income you earn. Here’s how it works:

• For SSI, the SSA only allows you to earn a certain amount each month before they start reducing your benefits. In 2025, the SSI income limit for an individual is around $1,473 per month (this may vary slightly based on your living situation).
• If you earn above this amount, your SSI payments will be reduced dollar for dollar, but they won’t be immediately eliminated.
• If your earnings are below the income limit, you can still receive partial SSI benefits.

Reporting Your Earnings

Whether you are on SSDI or SSI, it’s essential that you report your earnings to the SSA. Failing to do so can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay, and could jeopardize your eligibility.

• SSDI: Report any earnings over the SGA limit or if you enter a Trial Work Period.
• SSI: Report any income you earn, including part-time work, as it will affect the amount of your monthly benefit.

Working Part-Time with a Disability

Working part-time may be a good option for many people with disabilities who are looking to stay active, improve their financial situation, or transition back into full-time work. However, it’s important to be mindful of the SSA’s rules regarding SGA, Trial Work Periods, and SSI income limits.

If you are able to work part-time while still maintaining your disability benefits, you can improve your financial situation without necessarily losing your benefits. If you’re unsure whether working part-time will affect your disability benefits, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced disability lawyer or advocate.