Can I Work While on SSDI? Here’s What’s Allowed—and What Isn’t
Can I Work While on SSDI? What SSA Allows
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may wonder: can I work while on SSDI? It’s a fair question—many disability recipients want to supplement their income or re-enter the workforce without risking their benefits.
The short answer is yes, you can work while receiving SSDI, but there are important rules, limits, and reporting requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA offers work incentive programs like the Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
In this article, we’ll explain how these programs work, how much you can earn, and what to consider before returning to work while on SSDI.
How the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility Work
SSA understands that some disability recipients may be able to return to work part-time or attempt full-time work at some point. That’s why it offers work incentive programs to ease the transition and protect your monthly SSDI payments.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
The Trial Work Period allows SSDI recipients to work and earn any amount of income for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month window without losing their benefits.
- In 2024, any month you earn more than $1,110 counts as a TWP month.
- These months don’t need to be consecutive.
- You’ll still receive your full SSDI check during the TWP.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility. During this time:
- SSA monitors your monthly income.
- If you earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550 in 2024 for non-blind individuals), your benefits may be suspended.
- If your income drops below SGA, payments can resume without a new application.
This gives you flexibility to try working while knowing your benefits aren’t gone permanently if you need them again.
How Much Can I Earn Without Losing SSDI Benefits
SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is the benchmark it uses to decide if your work activity disqualifies you from disability benefits.
2024 SGA Limits:
- $1,550/month for non-blind individuals
- $2,590/month for statutorily blind individuals
If you exceed these amounts after your Trial Work Period ends, your SSDI benefits may stop.
Other Work Incentives:
SSA also offers additional programs, including:
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): If you pay out-of-pocket for disability-related work expenses (e.g., specialized equipment, transportation), SSA may deduct these from your earnings when evaluating your SGA level.
- Ticket to Work Program: This free and voluntary program helps SSDI recipients access training and job services while protecting their benefits during the transition to employment.
Can I Work While on SSDI? Final Thoughts
So, can I work while on SSDI? Yes—but you must stay within SSA’s income limits and follow their reporting requirements. The Trial Work Period gives you time to test working without penalty, and the Extended Period of Eligibility offers continued protection.
Before starting any job or increasing your hours, review SSA’s guidelines and consult a legal or benefits professional. A single misstep—such as earning over the SGA threshold without notifying SSA—can lead to overpayments, benefit suspension, or even claims of fraud.
Talk to a Legal Professional Before Returning to Work on SSDI
Understanding how income affects your SSDI is essential if you want to work again while receiving benefits. SocialSecurityDisability.com connects individuals with experienced disability lawyers who can:
- Help you report income accurately
- Protect your SSDI eligibility
- Appeal SSDI benefit suspensions
- Maximize SSDI protections while working
Contact us today to speak with a legal professional who can help you work within SSA rules and safeguard your SSDI income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I work full-time while on SSDI?
You can attempt full-time work during the Trial Work Period. After that, full-time work may jeopardize benefits if income exceeds SGA.
2. What happens if I earn too much money?
If you earn over the SGA limit after your TWP ends, SSA may suspend your SSDI benefits. However, they can be reinstated if your earnings later drop.
3. Will SSA take away my benefits immediately if I work?
No. SSA offers work incentive periods to help you test employment before losing benefits. Proper reporting is crucial.
4. Can I volunteer or do unpaid work?
Yes, but SSA may still evaluate the activity to determine whether it shows capacity for substantial work, depending on your role.
5. How do I report my work to SSA?
You must notify SSA promptly of any work activity. You can call, visit your local office, or use your “My Social Security” account online.
Key Takeaways
- You can work while on SSDI, but income must follow SSA guidelines.
- The Trial Work Period allows unlimited earnings for 9 months.
- Afterward, SSA monitors earnings during a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
- Exceeding SGA ($1,550 in 2024) may suspend your benefits.
- SocialSecurityDisability.com connects you with legal experts who can guide your return to work without risking your SSDI.
