1. SSDI: Working Part-Time While Receiving Benefits

SSDI is designed for individuals who cannot engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a disabling condition. However, you are allowed to work part-time within specific limits.

a. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals. If you earn above this amount, SSA generally considers you able to work and may terminate your SSDI benefits.

b. The Trial Work Period (TWP)

SSDI recipients have a Trial Work Period (TWP), allowing you to test your ability to work without losing benefits:

• You can earn any amount for nine trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
• In 2025, a trial work month is any month you earn over $1,110 (before taxes).
• After completing nine trial work months, SSA reviews your earnings to determine continued eligibility.

c. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After the TWP, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):

• You remain eligible for benefits any month your earnings are below the SGA limit.
• If your earnings exceed SGA in any month, benefits are suspended for that month, but your case remains open in case earnings drop again.

d. Impact of Working Part-Time

If your part-time work earnings remain below the SGA limit, you can continue receiving SSDI without losing eligibility. However:

• You must report your work activity and income to SSA each month.
• Failure to report earnings can result in overpayment demands and penalties.
• Even part-time work can trigger SSA medical reviews to assess if your disability has improved.
  

2. SSI: Working Part-Time While Receiving Benefits

SSI is a needs-based benefit with strict income limits. Unlike SSDI, SSI benefits are reduced based on your countable income.

a. Income Exclusions

For SSI, SSA excludes:

• The first $20 of any income each month (general exclusion)
• The first $65 of earned income each month, plus half of remaining earnings

b. Example Calculation

If you earn $500 per month from part-time work:

• SSA excludes the first $65, leaving $435.
• Half of $435 ($217.50) counts as income.
• Your SSI benefit is reduced by $217.50.

c. SSI Income Limits

In 2025, the federal SSI maximum payment is $943 per month for individuals. If your countable income exceeds this amount, you may become ineligible for SSI.

3. Reporting Requirements

Whether you receive SSDI or SSI:

• Report all work activity and income to SSA immediately.
• Report changes in work hours, pay rates, job duties, or when you stop working.
• Keep copies of pay stubs, work logs, and SSA communications for your records.

4. Programs That Support Work Attempts

SSA offers programs to encourage work while receiving benefits, including:

a. Ticket to Work

A free program providing:

• Job training, career counseling, and placement assistance
• Protection from medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) while using Ticket to Work services

b. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)

Certain disability-related expenses needed for work (e.g., specialized transportation, medical equipment) can be deducted from your earnings, lowering countable income for SSI or SSDI calculations.

5. Risks of Working Part-Time on Disability

• Earning over SGA may lead to benefit termination for SSDI.
• SSI payments are reduced based on earnings, potentially affecting Medicaid eligibility.
• SSA may initiate a medical review to determine if you remain disabled, particularly if your work activity indicates improved functioning.