Working While on SSDI and SSI: What You Need to Know

SSDI and Work: The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Rule

For SSDI recipients, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rule to determine whether you are eligible to continue receiving benefits while working. SGA is defined as earning a certain amount of money from work each month. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month (or $2,460 per month for individuals who are blind). If you earn more than this amount, the SSA may consider you able to work and may suspend or stop your benefits.

However, there are exceptions:

• Trial Work Period (TWP): If you receive SSDI benefits and want to try working without immediately losing your benefits, you can take advantage of the Trial Work Period. This allows you to earn more than the SGA limit for up to 9 months without losing your benefits. In 2025, any month you earn more than $1,050 counts as a Trial Work Month.
• After the Trial Work Period ends, the SSA will assess your ability to work and may stop benefits if you continue working above the SGA limit.

SSI and Work: The Income and Resource Limits

If you are receiving SSI, the situation is slightly different. SSI is a needs-based program, so your eligibility is determined by both your income and your resources. While you can work and still receive SSI, your earnings will affect your monthly benefit amount. Here’s how:

• For every $2 you earn above the $65 monthly income exclusion, the SSA will reduce your SSI benefits by $1.
• If you have a spouse or other family members living with you, their income and resources may also be considered, which can affect your eligibility and benefit amount.

It’s important to track your earnings and report them to the SSA to avoid any issues with overpayment or benefit reductions.

The Social Security Administration’s Work Incentive Programs

The SSA has several programs designed to help people with disabilities return to work without immediately losing their benefits. These programs allow you to gradually transition back into the workforce and can provide additional support:

• Ticket to Work Program: This program helps individuals with disabilities find employment, and it allows you to keep receiving SSDI or SSI benefits while working with an approved employment network or vocational rehabilitation service.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): If you have a disability-related expense that you need to work, such as medical equipment or transportation, you can deduct these expenses from your income when calculating your benefits.
• Expedited Reinstatement: If you stop working due to your disability and your benefits were stopped after you exceeded the SGA limit, you can apply for Expedited Reinstatement to get your benefits back within five years of stopping work.

Reporting Your Work Activity

Whether you are on SSDI or SSI, it’s essential that you report your work activity to the SSA. Failing to do so can result in an overpayment, which you would need to repay, or a suspension of your benefits. Here’s how to report:

• SSDI: Report your work activity by calling the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local SSA office, or using the SSA’s online portal.
• SSI: Report your earnings monthly by contacting the SSA. Make sure you report any change in income or resources, as this will affect your eligibility and benefit amount.

Can You Work Part-Time on Disability?

The answer depends on how much you earn. If you work part-time but still stay below the SGA limit (under $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals), you can continue receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. If you’re on SSI, you can work part-time and earn income, but it may reduce your monthly benefits based on the income calculation.

What Happens If You Can’t Work After Returning to Work?

If you try working but find that you cannot continue due to your disability, there are protections in place:

• For SSDI: If you stop working after your Trial Work Period, you can request that your benefits be reinstated within five years without having to reapply. This is called Expedited Reinstatement.
• For SSI: If your earnings exceed the limits, but you become unable to work again, you may be able to apply for Expedited Reinstatement to have your benefits reinstated more quickly.

How Working Affects Your Social Security Disability Benefits Long-Term

While it’s possible to work while receiving disability benefits, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. The goal of the Ticket to Work Program and other SSA work incentives is to help individuals become financially independent. However, you should always assess how your work might impact your financial situation and whether continuing to work is the best choice for you.