How Changes in Income Affect SSDI

SSDI and Work Income

If you receive SSDI, your income from work can affect your benefits. The SSA has a limit known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2025, the monthly SGA threshold is $1,550 for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this amount, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and your benefits could be suspended.

Trial Work Period

Even if you go over the SGA limit, you can test your ability to work without losing SSDI benefits through a Trial Work Period (TWP). The TWP allows you to earn any amount for up to 9 months without losing benefits. After completing the TWP, if you continue working above the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits may end.

Reporting Income Changes

If your income from work increases, it’s important to report the change to SSA right away to avoid overpayments or potential penalties. If you don’t report changes, you could face delays in adjustments to your benefits.

How Changes in Income Affect SSI

SSI and Income Limits

Unlike SSDI, SSI is a needs-based program, and your eligibility is directly affected by income changes. If your income increases above the SSA’s allowable limit for SSI, your benefit amount may be reduced or terminated. For 2025, the general income limit for an individual is $794/month, and for a couple, it’s $1,191/month.

Reporting Income Changes for SSI

It’s crucial to report any income changes (such as wages, pensions, or even assistance from family members) to the SSA as soon as possible. Even minor changes could affect your monthly payments. Failing to report these changes could lead to overpayments, which you will be required to repay.

Excluded Income for SSI

Some types of income may be excluded from the SSI calculation, such as:

• Earned income exclusions (like the first $65 of wages earned each month)
• Certain government assistance programs (like food stamps)

If your income is fluctuating, it’s essential to track what counts toward your SSI eligibility and what doesn’t.

Special Considerations for Income Changes

Changes in Spouse or Household Income

If someone in your household starts earning more, it can affect both SSDI and SSI eligibility. For SSI, any changes in household income may result in a reduction of benefits, even if the income is not directly yours.

Temporary Changes in Income

If your income temporarily changes (for example, you receive a bonus or extra pay one month), you may still be eligible for benefits as long as it doesn’t exceed SSA limits. The SSA generally doesn’t consider short-term fluctuations as grounds for denying benefits unless they result in consistent overpayments.

Self-Employment Income

If you are self-employed, the SSA may count your net earnings from self-employment toward your income limit for SSDI or SSI. This means they will subtract allowable business expenses from your total income. It’s essential to accurately report self-employment income to avoid complications.