Yes, you can work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but only within strict limits. Payments will stop if you are engaged in what Social Security calls “substantial gainful activity.” SGA, as it’s known, is defined in 2022 as earning more than $1,350 a month (or $2,260 if you are blind).
If your income exceeds those caps, you cannot collect disability benefits, unless you are taking part in one of Social Security’s "work incentives" — programs and trial periods aimed at helping SSDI recipients transition back into the workforce without sacrificing their benefits. Some work incentives are also available to recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is administered by Social Security and also provides benefits to people with disabilities.
The major such program is Ticket to Work, which offers people on SSDI and SSI job training, work experiences and other services to help them become self-supporting. As do other work incentives, Ticket to Work temporarily waives the SGA earnings limits, so you continue collecting your disability benefits while you engage in trial work with employers who have signed up to participate. If you get a job through the program, you go off disability benefits. The payments will resume if you have to stop working because your medical condition worsens.
SSDI beneficiaries are also allowed a trial period of up to nine months to test their ability to work. The trial months can be spread out over five years, and during these months you can get your full benefit regardless of your earnings. You’ll find more information on these and other work incentives in the Social Security publication "Working While Disabled — How We Can Help."
Keep in mind
- The SGA limits are adjusted annually based on national changes in average wages.
- Some work incentives are specific either to SSDI or SSI, while others, like Ticket to Work, are available to both types of beneficiary.
Updated December 23, 2021
If you are disabled to the point that you can no longer support yourself and have applied for Social Security disability benefits, you may be wondering if you can work at all and still hope for approval of your disability claim. Since this can be a complicated area, it is a good idea to assemble the following information regarding your income sources. Then spend a couple of hours conferring with a Social Security disability attorney or other
professional advocate to see how this financial information may affect your application for benefits and follow his or her advice. Here are some things to take into consideration: When you go to your meeting with the advocate of your choice, be sure to have this information ready. List every source
of income you have and the amount you receive each month from each source. Make a list of all expenses that relate to your disability. These include everything from assistance devices to cab fare (if you are unable to drive). While the SSA does allow a disability applicant to work if his or her income is below the SGA amount, it is a good idea to consult with your chosen
attorney or advocate to determine whether working will be a hindrance or a help in your particular situation. Remember that Social Security Disability officers are responsible for weeding out applicants who are able to earn a living, however modest, despite their disabling conditions. If the SSA finds that you can support yourself without the help of Social Security disability benefits, your application will be denied.