Will I Lose My Disability if I Work Part-Time?

A majority of disability recipients worry about losing their benefits when considering part-time work. The short answer is yes, you can continue receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits while working. However, there are several key rules and considerations to keep in mind to protect your benefits..

If you or someone you know needs help with a disability claim, or need help appealing a denial, contact one of our representatives today. Harris Disability Law has been helping individuals obtain disability benefits for over 20 years.

Call our office today to discuss your situation for free.

Key Rules for Working While on Disability

Social Security disability rules protect your right to work while receiving benefits. Below are some important facts you need to know.

Current SSDI income limits

Social Security sets clear monthly earning thresholds for 2024:

• $1,620 – Standard SSDI monthly limit
• $2,700 – Monthly limit for blind recipients

These amounts represent your Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits. Many clients qualify for additional earnings through disability-related work expense deductions.

SSI limits

SSI benefits follow separate rules from SSDI. Your payments continue until combined earnings exceed program limits. In 2025, this limit is $2,019 for individuals. This means that if you earn more than $2,019 per month, your SSI benefits will be reduced.

It’s important to note that not all income counts towards the SSI limit. For example, certain types of public assistance and food stamps are exempt from this calculation.

Steps to Safely Start Working Part-Time

If you plan to work part-time and receive disability benefits, it’s crucial to evaluate your work capacity and calculate safe income thresholds. Here are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce:

Evaluating Your Work Capacity

Medical evidence proves your ability to work part-time. Our disability attorneys recommend:

• Professional functional capacity evaluation
• Documentation of current medical restrictions
• List of tasks you can safely perform
• Written support from your treating physicians

Calculating Safe Income Thresholds

If you want to continue receiving SSDI benefits while working, you need to be mindful of two key numbers and programs by the SSA:

• Earnings threshold of $1,160 per month (before taxes) during the Trial Work Period
• Substantial Gainful Activity threshold of $1,620 per month during the Extended Period of Eligibility.

Reporting Requirements

While receiving SSDI benefits, you must report changes to your work and income. You should let the Social Security Administration (SSA) know right away if your work status or income changes

How to Work Part-time While on Disability

At a high level, when you are receiving disability benefits and you start to work part-time, you enter the Trial Work Period. During this period, you can test your ability to work without losing your benefits.

Once the Trial Work Period is over, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility. This is when you can continue to receive disability benefits while working part-time, as long as your income remains below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold set by the SSA.

Navigating the Trial Work Period

Social Security created the Trial Work Period (TWP) to support your return to work. Here’s the most important information you need to know about TWP:

TWP Basics

TWP offers nine months of unlimited earnings while protecting your full SSDI benefits. Your monthly disability check continues regardless of income – provided you:

• Report all work activity promptly
• Maintain medical eligibility
• Submit required documentation

Our clients express relief knowing their benefits remain secure during this testing period.

How TWP months are counted

A month will count towards your trial work period if your earnings are over $1,160 in 2025.

The 9 months mentioned above do not have to be consecutive, but they must occur within a rolling 60-month period. Any month where you earn over the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold will count towards your trial work period. This means that if you earn above $1,160 in any given month during your TWP, it will count towards one of your nine months.

There is no limit on how much you can earn during these 9 months and still have them count as TWP months while receiving your full Disability payment.

What Happens After the Trial Work Period

After completing the 9 TWP months, there is an additional grace period of 36 months for continued benefits while working. During this extended period known as “Extended Period of Eligibility” (EPE), you can continue receiving SSDI benefits if your income drops below the SGA threshold

Extended Period of Eligibility

The 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) protects your benefits after TWP completion. During EPE:

• You’ll continue receiving SSDI benefits if your monthly income is below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) of $1,620 (in 2025; non-blind limit)
• During the EPE, if your earnings exceed the specified SGA amount in any given month, you will not qualify for a Disability payment for that month.
• If you continue to earn above the SGA limit after the 36-month EPE ends, your Disability benefit will typically end

Strategies to Maintain Your Benefits

Social Security approves benefit payments when clients follow proper reporting guidelines. Your success relies on accurate documentation and a clear understanding of available incentives.

Tracking and Reporting Income Properly

Social Security requires monthly income reports. Protect your benefits through detailed records:

• Gross wages before deductions
• Work schedule modifications
• Employment status changes
• Self-employment revenue updates

Understanding Impairment-related Work Expenses

Social Security deducts qualified work expenses from your countable income.

• Work-related transportation
• Medical devices and supplies
• Required prescription medications
• Specialized equipment
• Service animal costs

For instance, during the 3-year EPE, if you have to spend $250 per month on specific transportation needs, you can earn an extra $250 each month because these can be deducted from the income limit calculation.

Need Help With Your Disability Claim?

Navigating Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.At Harris Disability Law, we have the experience and resources to help you with your claim.

Hiring a firm like ours gives you a significant advantage—our expertise ensures your application is accurate, complete, and meets all requirements, reducing the chances of delays or denials. We handle the complexities so you can focus on your well-being.

Reach out to us today, and one of our representatives will get in touch to provide the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions