Can You Work Full Time and Collect Social Security Disability?

Can You Work Full Time and Collect Social Security Disability?

Can you work full time and collect Social Security disability? Generally, no—working full time typically disqualifies you from receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration considers full-time work as evidence that you’re not disabled under their definition. However, there are specific exceptions and work incentive programs that may allow limited work activity while maintaining benefits.

Understanding the relationship between work and disability benefits is crucial for anyone receiving or applying for SSDI. The rules can be complex, and making the wrong decision could result in benefit termination or overpayment issues.

Social Security Disability and Employment

The Social Security Administration uses “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) as the primary measure for determining if you can work while collecting disability benefits. For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.

If you earn more than these amounts through work, the SSA generally considers you engaged in substantial gainful activity, which would disqualify you from receiving SSDI benefits. This applies regardless of whether you work full time or part time—it’s about the income earned, not the hours worked.

The SSA evaluates work activity differently during various phases of your disability claim. During the initial application process, any substantial gainful activity can result in claim denial. Once you’re approved for benefits, different rules apply that may allow some work activity.

Programs That Allow Limited Employment

Several work incentive programs exist to help disability recipients transition back to work without immediately losing benefits. The Trial Work Period allows you to test your ability to work for nine months within a 60-month period while still receiving full SSDI benefits, regardless of earnings.

During a Trial Work Period, you can work and earn any amount while still collecting your full disability payment. In 2024, a trial work month is any month you earn more than $1,110 or work more than 80 hours in self-employment.

After completing your Trial Work Period, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility that lasts 36 months. During this time, you’ll receive benefits for months when your earnings are below the SGA limit and won’t receive benefits for months when earnings exceed the limit.

When Work Becomes Possible

Can you work full time and collect Social Security disability if your condition improves? The answer depends on whether the SSA determines you’ve experienced medical improvement. If your condition has improved to the point where you can perform substantial gainful activity, your benefits may be terminated.

The SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to assess whether recipients remain disabled. If you return to work, especially full-time work, this often triggers a review of your medical condition and work capacity.

However, medical improvement alone doesn’t automatically terminate benefits. The SSA must determine that the improvement is significant enough to restore your ability to work. This process involves medical evidence, vocational assessments, and consideration of your work history.

Exceptions and Considerations

Certain situations may allow continued benefit receipt while working. Unsuccessful Work Attempts (UWAs) are work efforts that last six months or less and end due to your disability or special accommodations removal. These don’t count as substantial gainful activity.

Self-employment presents unique challenges when determining if you can work full time and collect Social Security disability. The SSA uses a three-part test for self-employment, considering significant services, substantial income, and work comparability to non-disabled individuals.

Supported employment and work performed in special conditions may also receive different treatment. If you work in a sheltered workshop or receive significant workplace accommodations, your earnings might not count fully toward the SGA limit.

Final Considerations: Can You Work Full Time and Collect Social Security Disability?

The simple answer to “can you work full time and collect Social Security disability” is typically no, but exceptions exist. Understanding these rules is essential for making informed decisions about work and benefits. Most full-time work will result in earnings that exceed SGA limits, leading to benefit termination.

However, work incentive programs provide safety nets for those testing their work capacity. These programs recognize that disability isn’t always permanent and that some individuals may recover enough to return to work partially or fully.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Disability Benefits

Before making any work decisions, consult with an experienced Social Security disability attorney who understands these complex rules. If you need legal guidance regarding your disability benefits and work situation, visit socialsecurity for expert assistance. Understanding the rules prevents costly mistakes that could jeopardize your financial security.