Types of Disability Benefits and Work Rules

There are two main types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The rules for working differ for each.

SSDI Work Guidelines

SSDI recipients are allowed to test their ability to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP):

• You can earn any amount for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month window.
• In 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
• After the TWP, if you continue to work and earn more than $1,550/month (the Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA limit for 2025), your benefits may stop.

You also get a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility, where you can receive benefits for any month you’re under the SGA limit.

SSI Work Guidelines

If you're receiving SSI, your benefit amount is based on financial need, and earned income can reduce your monthly benefit:

• The SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income, then cuts your SSI check by 50 cents for each additional dollar earned.
• You must report all income promptly to avoid overpayments or benefit suspension.

Work Incentives and Support Programs

The SSA offers programs to support disabled individuals who want to try returning to work:

• Ticket to Work Program: Provides free vocational rehabilitation, job training, and placement services.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): If you have expenses related to your disability that help you work (like assistive technology or transportation), these may be deducted from your earnings.
• PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support): SSI recipients can set aside income for work-related goals without affecting benefits.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limits?

If your earnings consistently exceed the SGA level or SSI thresholds, your benefits could stop. However:

• SSDI recipients are entitled to a grace period and reinstatement within five years if their condition worsens.
• SSI recipients may reapply if income later falls below the limits.

Working without reporting your income could lead to overpayment notices or even fraud investigations, so it’s critical to stay transparent.