Can You Work While Receiving Social Security Disability?
Many people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) worry about whether they can work and still keep their benefits. The good news is that you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are strict rules and income limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
At The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb, we help clients understand how much they can earn, how SSA evaluates work activity, and how to avoid losing benefits while working. This guide will explain the rules for working while on SSDI or SSI, trial work periods, and important things to consider before re-entering the workforce.
If you receive SSDI benefits, the SSA allows you to work within certain limits without immediately losing your benefits.
However, you must follow their Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rule and be aware of trial work period (TWP) regulations.
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit for 2024: If you earn more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 for blind individuals), the SSA considers you capable of “substantial work” and may stop your benefits.
If you earn less than this amount, your benefits will typically continue without issue. - Trial Work Period (TWP): The SSA allows you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
You can work for up to 9 months (within a rolling 60-month period) while still receiving full benefits, regardless of income.
Any month where you earn over $1,110 (2024 threshold) counts toward your TWP.
Example: If you start working and earn $2,000 in a month, that month will count as one of your trial work months, but your benefits will continue.
After the trial work period ends, SSA evaluates whether you can continue working at SGA levels before deciding whether to adjust or stop your benefits.
Can You Work While Receiving SSI?
The rules for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are different from SSDI because SSI is a need-based program. This means that any income you earn directly affects your monthly benefit amount.
SSI Income Limits for 2025:
- Be severe enough to prevent you from performing past work or adjusting to new work.
- Appear in the SSA’s Listings, or be severe enough to be considered equivalent to one of the listed impairments.
- Have sufficient medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports, imaging scans, and treatment records.
📌 Example: If you earn $885 in wages, SSA will exclude the first $85, leaving $800 of countable income. Your SSI check will be reduced by $400 ($800 ÷ 2).
Since SSI is income-based, working even part-time can significantly reduce or eliminate benefits, depending on how much you earn.
The Ticket to Work Program: Returning to Work Without Risking Benefits
SSA offers the Ticket to Work (TTW) program, which helps disability recipients return to the workforce without immediately losing benefits.
- Who Qualifies? SSDI or SSI recipients ages 18-64 who want to test their ability to work.
- How Does It Work? Provides vocational training, job placement services, and career counseling.
- Does It Protect Benefits? Yes! Participants in the program can continue receiving benefits while working, depending on income limits.
Pro Tip: The Ticket to Work program is free and voluntary, meaning you won’t lose benefits just for signing up.
What Happens If You Earn Too Much?
If you earn above the allowed limits, SSA may reduce or stop your disability benefits. However, you won’t lose Medicare or Medicaid coverage immediately:
- SSDI Recipients: If benefits stop, Medicare continues for up to 93 months (7+ years).
- SSI Recipients: Medicaid eligibility may continue under 1619(b) rules, depending on your state and income level.
How to Work While on SSDI Without Losing Benefits
If you want to work but don’t want to risk losing your SSDI benefits, here’s what you should do:
- Keep Earnings Below the monthly SGA limits ($1,670/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals in 2025) – Staying under this limit ensures your benefits continue.
- Use the Trial Work Period Wisely – This lets you test working without immediate consequences.
- Report Your Income to SSA Regularly – Avoid overpayments and penalties by keeping SSA informed.
- Consider the Ticket to Work Program – This program helps you transition back to work safely.
- Consult an SSDI Attorney – The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb can help you navigate work rules and protect your benefits.