Working While Disabled

There is a trial work period during which Social Security Disability recipients can make more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amounts without losing disability benefits. SGA amounts are currently set at $1010 per month for most SSDI recipients and $1690 per month for those who are blind.

During a trial work period, you are allowed to test your ability to work for at least nine months. Any month in which you earn more than $720 is considered a trial work month. Regardless of how much you earn, you can continue to receive your full disability benefits during this period as long as you are working while disabled.

After your trial work period ends, there is a 36-month period in which you can work and still receive disability benefits for any month in which your earnings fall below the SGA amount. During this period you will not receive disability benefits for any months in which you earn more than $1010 per month ($1690 if you are legally blind).

If you work while receiving SSDI, you must report to the Social Security Administration:

  • The dates you start and stop any job,
  • Changes to duties, pay, or hours worked, and
  • Work-related expenses due to disability.

You must also report your monthly wages to the SSA. You can do so by telephone by the 6th of the next month or by mail or in person at your local Social Security office by the 10th.

The fact that you are working while disabled, even if your earnings stay below the SGA amount, may influence a disability claims examiner or a disability judge considering your claim. For help making an informed decision about working while receiving SSDI benefits, you can contact a Social Security Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project. WIPA projects are community-based organizations providing information and assistance to people who are receiving disability benefits and working or considering work. A WIPA community work incentive coordinator can help you understand how work may affect your disability benefits and can explain what other support may be available for people with disabilities who want to work.

Call 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967) to locate the WIPA project nearest you.

Making an informed decision is always the best thing you can do. If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, click here for a free SSDI evaluation to help determine where you stand. If you’d like more information about Social Security Disability, a qualified MedicareMall agent will be happy to answer your questions. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you may have about Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Medigap plans. Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll make it our priority to help you make the best-informed decisions possible.

Working While Disabled
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Social Security Disability Conditions
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