- Michael Burry
- Jul 17, 2025
The short answer is no. You will not lose your disability benefits through SSDI while working part-time. It is because there are various programs that encourage part-time employment while they still receive Social Security disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to those who are unable to work due to their severe disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers various work incentive programs.
- Trial Work Period
- Extended period of eligibility
These programs permit people to test their work capability without losing benefits immediately. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) refers to a need-based program that considers income and assets while determining the eligibility of an individual. Therefore, if you work and earn income, it may impact the SSI benefits you receive.
What are the rules for working during SSDI 2024?
The benefit amount you will receive for SSI and SSDI while working may decrease depending on how much you earn from your job. In 2025, you will stop receiving SSDI benefits if you earn more than $1,550 every month. However, for SSI benefits, it will entirely depend on your state and the prevailing laws. Let’s analyze some work incentive programs.
Common Work Incentive Programs
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Trial Work Period (TWP) | The Trial Work Period (TWP) refers to a provision within the SSDI program. During the TWP, which is nine months long and may or may not be consecutive, individuals will receive complete SSDI benefits. |
| Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) | The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) is a provision within SSDI that helps individuals slowly get back to work while still receiving Social Security disability benefits. |
| Ticket to Work Program | The Ticket to Work program is beneficial for SSDI and SSI recipients who want to return to work and achieve financial independence. |
| Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) | Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) refer to costs linked with a disability that disabled individuals may get while working. These are allowable deductions when anyone’s income is taken into consideration for SSDI and SSI disability benefits. |
| Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) | The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is intended to help SSI recipients struggling with disabilities achieve financial independence and pursue vocational goals. |
What happens if I go through SGA?
When you work below substantial gainful activity (SGA), a person with a disability will continue to receive Social Security Disability benefits. SGA refers to a term that refers to a person's maximum income level, and if it falls below the limit, they will be considered eligible for disability benefits.
If your earnings reach the SGA level within one month, a 3-month grace period will begin. During that time, you will receive SSDI benefits without regard for your wages. Once your grace period ends, the SSDI benefits will be zero for any month in which you earn more than the SGA limit.
How Does Working Part-Time Affect Your Monthly Benefits?
You can continue to receive disability benefits and work part-time. However, you need to understand how your earnings will affect your disability benefits. Recipients who receive Social Security disability benefits must keep their earnings lower than the SGA parameters.
Once you return to work, the SGA guidelines will allow you to test your capabilities without canceling your disability benefits. The SGA provides a trial work period of 3 years. In those years, you may earn $1,260 per month to maintain your disability benefits. The earnings limit is higher for blind recipients. Here are some examples of deductible work expenses:
- Prescription costs
- Transportation to and from work
- Personal or job coaching assistance
- Counseling services
- Assistive medical devices
Working with a disability attorney who can assist you in determining which work-related deductions qualify will help. They will also help to guide you on how to calculate your earnings and allowable deductions. It will ensure that your part-time work does not nullify your disability benefits.
How Will you Preserve your Social Security Disability Benefits?
The SSA always encourages people to return to work. However, it is crucial to provide them with accurate information. Some information is as follows:
- You start working
- You stop working.
- Your work hours change.
- Your employment pay rate varies.
- How much do you pay for work-related costs because of your disability?
The disability claimant must also inform the SSA in case they leave their job within their trial work period. Your Social Security disability benefits will remain unaffected in this scenario.
What is the Maximum Number of Hours You can Work on Disability?
When you work for yourself, it's possible to put in long hours without receiving an hourly wage. In this case, the SSA will consider how many hours you have been working, along with your monthly income.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will permit you to work for up to 45 hours per month in case you are self-employed and receiving SSDI. This equates to 10 hours per week.
What is the Most Approved Disability?
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities are the most approved disability conditions for Social Security Disability Benefits. Arthritis is common in the United States, and more than 58 million people suffer from it. If your arthritis makes it difficult for you to walk or do your daily activities, you may qualify for disability benefits.
How Can a Disability Lawyer Assist You?
A Social Security disability attorney can provide invaluable assistance when you are in the process of applying for disability benefits. They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your benefits and inform you of which ones are most advantageous for you.
Your eligibility determines whether you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
FAQs about disability and working part-time
What is a work incentive?
A work incentive is a government program that encourages people struggling with disabilities to pursue employment while they continue to receive Social Security disability benefits. These programs mainly provide financial security and increase self-sufficiency.
Does SSI offer the same work incentives as SSDI?
SSI and SSDI provide different work incentives depending on eligibility. For both disability benefit programs, some work incentives may be common.
What happens if my income changes over time?
If your income changes over time, you must report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA), even if you are working part-time or have just started working. If you fail to notify the SSA, you may be required to repay the overpayments.
How do I prove my work history for disability benefits?
You can prove your work history to the SSA by providing medical records and other relevant documentation. You also need to fill out a work history report and provide all the information to the SSA. This is a crucial step in the application process for SSDI or SSI disability benefits.