Can I Work While Receiving SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are primarily designed for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does allow individuals receiving SSDI benefits to work part-time or earn a certain amount of income without losing their benefits. The key is staying within the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA defines Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) as the amount of income you can earn while still being considered disabled. In 2023, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month. If you earn more than this amount, the SSA may consider you to be capable of working and could stop your SSDI benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you are receiving SSDI benefits, you can test your ability to work without immediately losing your benefits through the Trial Work Period (TWP). During this period, you can work and earn any amount for up to 9 months without affecting your SSDI benefits. As long as you report your earnings to the SSA, you can keep receiving benefits during the TWP.

After the TWP, if you continue to work and your earnings exceed the SGA limit, the SSA may review your case and determine if you are still eligible for benefits.

Can I Work While Receiving SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are need-based, are different from SSDI benefits in how they handle income. SSI benefits are designed to help individuals with limited income and resources. The SSA allows individuals receiving SSI to work, but their earnings will reduce their benefits. The more you earn, the less SSI you will receive, up until the point where your income exceeds the limit for eligibility.

Income Limits for SSI

For 2023, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. However, if you work and earn more than $1,213 per month (for an individual), your SSI benefits will be reduced or possibly stopped, depending on your income and other factors.

The SSA excludes the first $65 per month in earned income, and they also exclude half of the remaining earned income when calculating the reduction in benefits. For example, if you earn $1,000 in a month, the SSA will subtract the $65 and half of the remaining $935, meaning your SSI benefits would be reduced, but not eliminated.

Work Incentives for SSDI and SSI Recipients

The SSA has several work incentives designed to help individuals with disabilities transition back into the workforce without losing their benefits too quickly. These incentives include:

• Ticket to Work Program: This program provides vocational rehabilitation, training, and job placement services to help you return to work while keeping your benefits.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): If you incur expenses related to your disability (e.g., medications, special equipment), the SSA may deduct these costs from your earnings when calculating your benefits.
• Blind Work Expenses (BWE): If you are blind, the SSA allows you to deduct additional expenses related to work, further enabling you to earn more while still receiving benefits.

What Happens If I Earn Too Much?

If your earnings exceed the SSA’s limits for SSDI or SSI, your benefits may be suspended. However, if your condition worsens or you can no longer work, you can request a medical review and ask the SSA to reinstate your benefits.



It’s also important to note that the SSA has a continuing disability review process, so they will periodically assess whether you still meet the eligibility requirements for disability benefits. If you are working and your condition improves, they may determine that you no longer qualify for benefits.