What are the Rules for Working While on SSDI
- Last Updated: July 14th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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Key takeaways:
- SSDI recipients can work while receiving benefits, but must comply with the Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules.
- After the 9-month TWP, SSDI recipients enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
- To avoid complications, SSDI recipients must report all income and work activity changes to the Social Security Administration.
Overview of the Rules for Working While on SSDI
On this page, we’ll provide an overview of the rules for working while on SSDI, eligibility criteria for working while on SSDI, common issues to avoid while working on SSDI, and more.
For individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), understanding the rules for working and receiving benefits is essential.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides specific work incentives to help SSDI recipients return to work without immediately losing their disability benefits.
However, there are strict regulations regarding how much you can earn while receiving SSDI benefits.
What is SSDI and How Does it Work?
SSDI benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition.
To qualify, individuals must have a sufficient work history and have paid social security taxes.
Once approved, recipients receive monthly social security disability benefits as long as they meet SSA’s criteria for continuing disability.
For many SSDI recipients, the possibility of returning to work is a consideration, and it’s possible to do so under certain conditions without immediately losing benefits.
However, it’s important to follow Social Security’s rules regarding income and work activity to avoid inadvertently disqualifying yourself from the program.
If you are working while receiving SSDI benefits and have questions about how your income may impact your eligibility, you may need legal assistance.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation to see if you qualify for help navigating the rules of working while on SSDI.
Table of Contents
What Are the Restrictions for Working While on SSDI?
Working while receiving SSDI benefits is allowed, but recipients must comply with rules around the Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
These rules determine how long you can work and how much you can earn before your eligibility is affected.
Trial Work Period (TWP) and How It Works
The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows individuals to test their ability to work for up to nine months while continuing to receive full SSDI benefits.
During these months, there is no limit on how much you can earn.
In 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 will count toward your TWP.
Key points about the TWP include:
- The TWP is nine months long but does not have to be consecutive.
- Full SSDI benefits continue regardless of how much is earned during these nine months.
- After completing the TWP, recipients enter the extended period of eligibility (EPE), which lasts 36 months.
During the EPE, your benefits may continue based on your income level and compliance with SSA guidelines.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits for SSDI Recipients
After completing the Trial Work Period, the SSA assesses whether you are earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind.
Important details about SGA include:
- Earnings above the SGA limit after the TWP may result in loss of benefits.
- Countable income, including wages, is considered when determining SGA. However, unearned income such as investments or passive earnings is not included.
- If your earnings fall below the SGA threshold after the TWP, you may continue receiving benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Working While on SSDI
To work while receiving SSDI benefits, it’s essential to comply with specific reporting and income guidelines.
The SSA monitors your income to determine whether you continue to qualify for benefits while working.
Reporting Your Work and Income to the SSA
If you are working while on SSDI, it is necessary to report your earnings and work activity to the Social Security Administration.
Failure to properly report income can result in overpayments and potential penalties.
When reporting income to the SSA, you must:
- Report any changes in employment or income levels.
- Provide pay stubs or other evidence of earnings.
- Update the SSA regarding any changes in your work status.
Maintaining accurate communication with the SSA is critical to staying compliant and avoiding complications.
How Work Can Affect Your SSDI Benefits
Work can affect your SSDI benefits depending on how much you earn and how long you’ve been employed.
After the Trial Work Period and extended period of eligibility, any earnings over the SGA limit may result in suspension of benefits.
However, if your income drops below the SGA level during the extended period, your benefits can be reinstated without a new application.
Key points regarding how work affects SSDI benefits include:
- Working during the TWP does not affect benefits, but exceeding the SGA limit after the TWP can result in loss of benefits.
- During the extended period of eligibility, earnings that exceed the SGA limit will trigger a suspension of benefits for that month.
- After the extended period, consistent earnings over the SGA threshold can lead to permanent termination of SSDI benefits.
TruLaw: Assisting Clients with SSDI Claims
At TruLaw, we assist individuals with all aspects of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims, from the initial application process to navigating the rules of working while receiving benefits.
Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and ensure that you comply with Social Security’s rules while managing your work and income.
Common Issues to Avoid When Working While on SSDI
Working while receiving SSDI benefits can raise challenges, especially when dealing with income reporting and the Substantial Gainful Activity limits.
Some common issues that SSDI recipients face include misunderstandings about income thresholds, failing to report changes in income, and confusion about unearned income or other sources of earnings.
Common issues include:
- Misunderstanding the Trial Work Period and how many months of work are allowed before benefits are impacted.
- Not reporting changes in income to the SSA, leading to overpayments.
- Uncertainty about whether different forms of income, like unearned income, count toward the SGA limit.
- Concerns about how earnings affect benefit eligibility during the extended period of eligibility.
At TruLaw, we can help clarify these issues and provide guidance on how to continue working without jeopardizing your SSDI benefits.
By following the rules for working while on SSDI, you can make informed decisions about employment and income without losing your benefits.
If you have questions about working while on SSDI or need assistance with your claim, TruLaw is here to guide you through the process.
Contact us today to learn more about protecting your SSDI benefit.
Social Security Disability Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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