Income Limits for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is based on your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you’ve paid over the years. SSDI benefits are not generally dependent on your income from other sources. However, there are specific limits on how much you can earn from work while receiving SSDI benefits.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

The Social Security Administration defines Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) as the level of earnings that demonstrates you are able to work. If your earnings exceed this threshold, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled and therefore not eligible for benefits.

• 2025 SGA Limit for Non-Blind Individuals: $1,470 per month.
• 2025 SGA Limit for Blind Individuals: $2,460 per month.

If you earn more than these amounts, the SSA will generally not consider you disabled and will stop your SSDI benefits. However, if your earnings are below this threshold, you may still be eligible for SSDI as long as you meet the medical eligibility criteria.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you are on SSDI and want to test your ability to work without losing benefits, the Trial Work Period allows you to work and earn above the SGA limits without your benefits being affected. During the TWP, you can earn any amount of income for up to 9 months without it affecting your SSDI benefits. After the TWP ends, your ability to continue receiving SSDI benefits will depend on whether you are able to earn below the SGA threshold on a consistent basis.

• 2025 Trial Work Period Earnings: You can earn $1,050 or more per month during the TWP without affecting your SSDI benefits.

Income Limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Unlike SSDI, SSI is a need-based program that is designed for individuals with limited income and resources. SSI provides benefits to individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly (over the age of 65) and who have limited financial resources.

General Income Limit for SSI

For SSI, the SSA sets income limits that determine whether you can qualify for benefits. Your countable income is what the SSA considers when determining eligibility. Countable income includes wages, social security benefits, workers’ compensation, and any other income you receive.

• 2025 SSI Income Limit for an Individual: $914 per month.
• 2025 SSI Income Limit for a Couple: $1,371 per month.

If your countable income exceeds these limits, you will not qualify for SSI benefits. However, certain types of income, such as the first $20 of most income, the first $65 of earned income, and any unearned income that falls below the limits, may be excluded from your countable income.

Exclusions and Deductions

Not all income counts toward the SSI income limits. Some income is excluded or deducted by the SSA when calculating your eligibility. These exclusions can include:

• First $20 of most income (earned or unearned).
• First $65 of earned income.
• Sheltered income, such as food or shelter provided by a friend or relative.
• Unpaid income or help from others that does not exceed certain limits.

Impact of Income on SSDI and SSI Benefits

Both SSDI and SSI benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to disability, but how income affects each program differs.

SSDI and Income Limits

As long as your income is below the SGA limit and you are not earning enough to show that you can perform substantial gainful activity, your SSDI benefits should not be affected by your income from other sources. If you are working and earning above the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits could be reduced or terminated.

SSI and Income Limits

Unlike SSDI, SSI has strict income and resource limits. Any income you receive above the SSI income limits will reduce the amount of benefits you receive. If your income exceeds the threshold for SSI eligibility, your benefits could be reduced or stopped completely.