Can you work while receiving disability benefits?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/25/2025
Many people receiving disability benefits wonder whether they’re allowed to work without losing their benefits. The short answer is yes—but with limitations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to work under certain conditions, depending on the type of benefit you receive and how much you're earning. Here's what you need to know about working while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.
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Understanding SSDI and Work Rules
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are allowed to work and still receive benefits, but there are rules:
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- In 2025, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you’re blind), the SSA considers that substantial gainful activity and you may lose eligibility.
- Earning below the SGA limit usually means you can keep your benefits.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
- The SSA offers a Trial Work Period that allows you to test your ability to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period.
- During this time, you can earn any amount, and still receive full SSDI benefits.
- After the TWP, you enter a 36-month extended eligibility period, where you may still receive benefits depending on your earnings.
Understanding SSI and Work Rules
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need, so any income—including wages—can reduce your benefit amount.
- The SSA does not count the first $65 of your earned income and half of the remaining amount.
- If you earn too much, your SSI payments may be reduced or stopped, but you may still be eligible for Medicaid in many cases.
Reporting Your Work to the SSA
It’s essential to report any work activity to the SSA to avoid overpayments or benefit termination.
You should report:
- Start and stop dates for any job
- Hours worked and monthly earnings
- Any changes in job duties or pay rate
Work Incentives and Support Programs
SSA offers several programs to support those who want to return to work while receiving benefits:

- Ticket to Work Program: Provides free employment services to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Certain costs related to your disability can be deducted from your income when calculating eligibility.
- Expedited Reinstatement: If your benefits stop due to work, but you later find you can’t continue, you may qualify for a
quick reinstatement of benefits without reapplying.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Working while receiving disability benefits can be complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Hogan Smith, we help clients:
- Understand SSA work rules and earnings limits
- Protect their benefits while exploring work options
- Report employment accurately to avoid overpayment issues
- Navigate Ticket to Work and other incentive programs
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you're thinking about working while receiving disability benefits or want to make sure you're in compliance with SSA rules, contact Hogan Smith today. We offer free consultations to help you make smart, informed choices about your employment and benefits. Let us guide you through every step.
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