What Is the Maximum Income to Keep SSDI? Earnings Limits You Need to Know
What Is the Maximum Income to Keep SSDI? Understanding SSA’s Income Limits
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s critical to understand what is the maximum income to keep SSDI benefits. In 2025, exceeding the income limits—even temporarily—can lead to suspension or loss of your payments, even if your disability status hasn’t changed.
SSDI is designed for individuals unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a qualifying medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses SGA thresholds to determine continued eligibility. If your earned income goes beyond that amount, you risk losing your monthly benefits—even if your health hasn’t improved.
This article explains SSA’s 2025 income rules, how earned and unearned income are treated, and how to protect your SSDI while navigating work opportunities.
How the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold Impacts Benefits
The SSA defines SGA as a level of work activity and earnings that shows a person is no longer disabled. The agency updates the income thresholds annually.
In 2025, the SGA limits are:
- $1,590/month for non-blind individuals
- $2,670/month for statutorily blind individuals
These amounts reflect gross monthly income (before taxes). If your earned income exceeds these limits, your SSDI benefits could be suspended—unless you’re in an approved trial work period.
Note: These limits apply to earned income only. Unearned income—such as investments or gifts—is treated differently.
Trial Work Period (TWP) Rules Still Apply in 2025
SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP) so beneficiaries can test their ability to work without losing benefits right away. Here’s how it works:
- You can work and earn more than the SGA amount for up to 9 months (within a rolling 60-month period).
- In 2025, any month where you earn over $1,110 (the TWP monthly amount) will count as a trial work month.
- After your TWP ends, SSA evaluates whether your work activity still meets the definition of disability.
If you’re earning above the SGA level after the TWP, your benefits may be suspended or terminated unless you qualify for an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
Income Types That Impact SSDI Eligibility
Not all income is counted the same way. Here’s how different income sources affect your SSDI:
Earned Income (Wages or Self-Employment)
Includes:
- Hourly or salaried wages
- Freelance or gig work
- Business/self-employment income
SSA evaluates gross income, not take-home pay. For self-employed individuals, SSA may also factor in the value of your work effort—even if profits are minimal.
Unearned Income
Unearned income is generally not counted toward SGA. Examples include:
- Interest and dividends
- Passive rental income
- Gifts or inheritances
- Spousal or family support
Important: While SSDI typically ignores unearned income, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) considers it in benefit calculations.
Bartered or In-Kind Compensation
If you receive non-cash compensation—like free housing or goods—SSA may still treat it as income if it reflects your ability to perform SGA-level work.
Passive Business Income vs. Active Involvement
If you’re a business owner but not actively managing operations, SSA might classify the income as passive—meaning it doesn’t count toward SGA.
However, if you contribute time, oversee employees, or manage day-to-day tasks, SSA may consider you actively working, even without taking a salary. This could affect your benefits.
What Is the Maximum Income to Keep SSDI in 2025?
To summarize, here are the maximum earned income limits you need to know to keep your SSDI benefits in 2025:
- $1,590/month for most non-blind beneficiaries
- $2,670/month for blind individuals
These limits apply only to earned income. Unearned income typically does not count toward the SGA threshold. If your income exceeds these amounts outside of a Trial Work Period, your benefits may be impacted.
Get Help Understanding SSDI Rules in 2025
Understanding income rules while receiving SSDI can be complicated. The risk of losing benefits due to minor errors or misunderstandings is real. That’s why working with an experienced disability attorney can be invaluable.
Social Security Disability connects individuals with qualified SSD lawyers who can help you:
- Evaluate your work plans for SSDI compliance
- Navigate the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility
- Understand SSA reporting requirements
- Preserve your SSDI eligibility while earning income
Contact us today to get matched with a disability attorney who can help you protect your income and your benefits in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I work part-time while on SSDI in 2025?
Yes. You can work part-time as long as your monthly gross earned income stays below $1,590 (or $2,670 if blind).
2. Does SSA look at gross or net income?
SSA typically evaluates gross income. For self-employed individuals, SSA considers both net profit and the value of your work activity.
3. What happens if I earn more than the SGA in one month?
Even a single month of income above the SGA limit can result in suspended benefits—unless you’re in a Trial Work Period or have unused EPE months.
4. Is investment income counted toward SGA?
No. Investment income, interest, and dividends are not considered earned income and do not count toward SGA for SSDI.
5. What if my income changes month to month?
SSA may average earnings over time or look at peak months to determine eligibility. It’s best to consult a disability attorney if your income varies frequently.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 SGA limits: $1,590/month (non-blind), $2,670/month (blind)
- Exceeding SGA outside a TWP can result in loss of SSDI
- Unearned income usually doesn’t impact SSDI eligibility
- Trial Work Period allows 9 months of higher income without losing benefits
- Get legal help to stay compliant and protect your SSDI benefits
