Can You Work While You Are Receiving SSDI?
Explore the possibilities of working while receiving SSDI. This guide clarifies how employment can integrate with your disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a medical condition. While strict guidelines apply, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers various provisions and programs to support beneficiaries who wish to return to the workforce. These programs encourage work while providing a safety net, allowing individuals to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
Core Work Rules for SSDI Beneficiaries
Working while receiving SSDI involves two concepts: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and the Trial Work Period (TWP). The SSA uses these to determine a beneficiary’s ability to engage in work. SGA refers to a level of work activity and earnings that demonstrates an individual’s capacity to perform significant physical or mental tasks for pay or profit. For 2025, the monthly SGA threshold for non-blind individuals is $1,620, while for statutorily blind individuals, it is $2,700. Exceeding these earnings can impact benefit eligibility.
The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows beneficiaries to work for at least nine months without affecting full SSDI benefits, regardless of earnings. For 2025, a month counts as a trial work month if gross earnings exceed $1,160. These nine months do not need to be consecutive but must occur within a 60-month period. This period provides a buffer, enabling individuals to explore their work capacity while retaining financial security.
After the nine TWP months, the SSA evaluates work activity based on SGA levels. This transition requires careful attention to earnings, as exceeding the SGA threshold outside of the TWP can lead to a suspension or cessation of benefits. The TWP allows beneficiaries to explore employment before stricter earnings limits apply.
Understanding Benefit Continuation and Cessation
After completing the nine-month Trial Work Period (TWP), beneficiaries enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). This 36-month period immediately follows the TWP. During the EPE, the SSA evaluates work and earnings monthly, determining eligibility based on whether earnings exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
During the EPE, if earnings fall below SGA, beneficiaries remain eligible for SSDI. If earnings exceed SGA, payments for that month are suspended. The first time a beneficiary performs SGA after the TWP, a three-month grace period begins, paying full benefits regardless of earnings. This grace period includes the month SGA is first met and the following two months.
After the EPE, sustained work above SGA typically leads to benefit termination. If a beneficiary experienced a cessation month and grace period within the EPE, the first instance of SGA-level earnings after the EPE results in termination. If the EPE is completed without a cessation month, SGA-level earnings trigger a cessation month and the three-month grace period, after which benefits cease if SGA continues.
Work Incentives and Support Programs
To further assist SSDI beneficiaries in their return to work, the Social Security Administration offers work incentives and support programs. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) allow beneficiaries to deduct out-of-pocket costs for disability-related work items or services from gross earnings when the SSA calculates SGA. Examples include medical devices, specialized transportation, or attendant care, if paid by the beneficiary and not reimbursed.
For statutorily blind individuals, Blind Work Expenses (BWE) allow deduction of work-related expenses from earned income, even if not blindness-related. This broader scope can reduce countable income for benefit purposes.
The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), primarily for SSI recipients, can indirectly benefit some SSDI beneficiaries. PASS allows individuals to set aside money for work goals like education or training, without affecting SSI income or resource limits. This helps beneficiaries save for expenses while potentially maintaining SSI payments.
The Ticket to Work Program helps individuals aged 18-64 receiving SSDI or SSI find and maintain employment. It connects beneficiaries with free employment services and vocational rehabilitation. Participation also protects against medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) while progressing toward self-sufficiency.
Returning to Benefits After Working
For SSDI beneficiaries whose benefits ceased due to work, Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows a quick restart if they become unable to work due to their medical condition. This applies if benefits ended due to SGA earnings, and reinstatement is requested within 60 months of benefits stopping. The individual must show they can no longer perform SGA due to the same or a related disability.
When an EXR request is filed, provisional benefits, including cash payments and Medicare/Medicaid, may be provided for up to six months during SSA review. These payments typically do not need to be repaid if the request is denied. This offers financial and healthcare support during the evaluation period, mitigating some of the financial risks associated with attempting to return to work. EXR encourages beneficiaries to explore employment knowing a pathway back to benefits exists if health prevents sustained work.