Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Work

If you're applying for SSDI, there are specific rules about work activity during the application process:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the SGA standard to determine whether you can still work while applying for disability. In 2025, the monthly income threshold for SGA is $1,470 for non-blind applicants. If you earn more than this amount, the SSA will typically consider you to be able to work and may deny your claim based on working above SGA.
• Trial Work Period (TWP): If you are approved for SSDI and are still working, the SSA allows a Trial Work Period. During this period, you can work and earn any amount of money without losing your benefits. The TWP lasts for 9 months, and during this time, you’ll continue receiving SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn.

If you’re working and earning under the SGA limit, your SSDI claim may still be approved, as long as your disability prevents you from performing substantial work activities.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Work

For those applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the rules are different:

• Income and Resources: SSI is a needs-based program, and the SSA evaluates your income and resources when determining eligibility. If you’re working, the SSA will count your income, and it can reduce or eliminate your SSI benefits.
• Earned Income Exclusion: SSI allows for certain exclusions when calculating your income. For example, the first $65 of monthly income plus half of the remaining income is excluded from the calculation. If your income exceeds the SSI limits, you may lose your benefits, even during the application process.

So, while working while applying for SSI is possible, your income will be closely scrutinized and could impact your eligibility.

Working Part-Time or Low Earnings

You may still be able to work part-time or earn a lower amount while applying for disability benefits without it affecting your eligibility, depending on your condition and the type of benefits you’re applying for. If you can prove that your medical condition limits your ability to perform full-time work, working part-time or earning below the SGA threshold won’t automatically disqualify you.

Keep in mind that if you are applying for SSDI, working even a little bit while you wait for approval could affect how quickly your claim is processed. The SSA might determine that you’re capable of performing substantial gainful activity, leading to a denial.

Reporting Work Activity to the SSA

If you decide to work while applying for disability, it’s important to report your work activity to the SSA. Failing to do so could result in serious issues, including the denial of your claim or a loss of benefits. When you apply for SSDI or SSI, the SSA will ask about your work history, earnings, and whether you are currently working. Keep your earnings accurate and up to date.

The SSA has a system called the Ticket to Work program, which is designed to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment. This program provides services that can help you transition back to work, while also allowing you to retain your SSDI or SSI benefits during the transition.

Can You Work After Approval for Disability?

Once you are approved for SSDI or SSI, the rules regarding work are:

• SSDI: After the Trial Work Period, if you continue to work and earn above the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits will stop. However, you can still work and earn money, and you may even be able to return to SSDI benefits under the Expedited Reinstatement program if you stop working due to your disability again.
• SSI: If you continue to work and earn money above certain limits, your SSI benefits may be reduced or suspended, depending on the income level.

The SSA encourages people who are approved for disability benefits to attempt returning to work through work incentive programs, such as the Ticket to Work program, which offers support while transitioning back into the workforce.