Can You Work While Receiving Disability Benefits? Understanding SGA and Trial Work Periods
One of the most common questions people ask about disability benefits is whether they can work at all while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The short answer is yes, but with important limitations and protections you need to understand.
Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether someone is working at a level that would disqualify them from disability benefits.
For 2026, the monthly SGA limits are $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, the SSA generally considers you capable of substantial gainful activity.
The SSA looks at your gross earnings before taxes. However, certain expenses can be deducted when calculating SGA, including Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) like specialized transportation or assistive devices, employer subsidies or accommodations that make your work easier, and unsuccessful work attempts if you stop working within six months due to your disability.
The Trial Work Period: Testing Your Ability to Work
One of the most valuable protections for SSDI recipients is the Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months without risking your disability benefits.
During your trial work period, you continue receiving your full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn. The nine months don’t have to be consecutive, and you have up to 60 months to use them. A month counts as a trial work month if you earn more than $1,210 (2026 limit) or work more than 80 self-employed hours.
Once you’ve used all nine trial work months, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this 36-month period, if your earnings are below the SGA limit in any month, you receive your full benefit for that month. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, you don’t receive a benefit for that month. You don’t need to reapply if your earnings drop below SGA during this period.
Important: The Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility only apply to SSDI, not SSI.
SSI and Work: Different Rules Apply
SSI has different work rules because it’s a needs-based program. With SSI, any income you receive can reduce your monthly benefit amount. However, the SSA doesn’t count all income equally. The first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earnings are not counted. Then, half of your remaining earnings is not counted.
For example, if you earn $500 per month from work, subtract $65 (earned income exclusion) to get $435, then divide by 2 to get $217.50. This amount would reduce your SSI payment by approximately $217.50.
Unlike SSDI, SSI benefits can also be reduced if you receive free or reduced-cost food and shelter from someone else.
The Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program that helps SSDI and SSI recipients ages 18 through 64 prepare for, find, and maintain employment.
When you participate in Ticket to Work, your benefits are protected from medical reviews while you’re actively working, you receive free employment services including career counseling and job placement, and you maintain Medicare or Medicaid coverage while working.
To participate, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842, choose an Employment Network or State VR agency to work with, and develop an employment plan. The program is completely voluntary.
Reporting Your Work Activity
Whether you receive SSDI or SSI, you must report work activity to the Social Security Administration. You should report when you start or stop working, changes in your work hours or pay, any work expenses related to your disability, and if you become self-employed.
You can report work activity online through your My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Planning to Return to Work: Important Considerations
Before accepting a job or increasing your work hours, contact the Social Security Administration to understand how it will affect your specific situation. Keep detailed records of pay stubs, hours worked, work-related disability expenses, and communication with the SSA.
Consider your healthcare coverage. SSDI recipients can purchase continued Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after the trial work period ends. Medicaid rules vary by state, but many states allow you to keep coverage while working.
If possible, start with part-time work or limited hours. This allows you to gauge how your disability affects your ability to maintain employment without immediately risking your benefits.
Common Questions
Can I volunteer while receiving disability benefits? Yes, volunteering generally doesn’t affect your benefits as long as you’re not receiving payment.
Can I be self-employed while on disability? Yes, but the SSA evaluates self-employment differently, looking at your work activity, time invested, and the value of your work to the business.
Getting Help Understanding Your Options
The rules around working while receiving disability benefits are complex, and everyone’s situation is unique. Understanding the protections available to you can give you the confidence to explore employment if you’re able.
At Disability Support Services, we help clients understand how work activity affects their benefits and what protections are available to them. Whether you’re currently receiving benefits and considering work, or you’re working part-time and wondering if you can still qualify for disability, we can provide guidance for your specific situation.
Contact Disability Support Services today at (410) 244-0006 or visit www.dssmd.com. Your disability benefits exist to support you, and understanding the rules around work can help you maintain that support while exploring your options for employment.
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