One of the most important issues faced by Social Security Disability benefits recipients is knowing how much they can earn while on SSDI benefits without jeopardizing their monthly payments. Some people may not understand that they are allowed to work and earn money while also collecting disability payments.
National Disability Experts wants you to know all there is to know about your benefits and how you can maximize your income legally without losing your SSDI benefits.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold for 2024 and 2025
One of the key concepts the SSA uses to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This term refers to the level of income the SSA considers substantial enough to disqualify you from being classified as disabled. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, the SSA may conclude that you’re able to engage in significant work activities and may suspend or terminate your SSDI benefits.
For 2024, the SGA limit is:
- $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals.
- $2,590 per month for blind individuals.
The SSA typically adjusts these amounts annually based on inflation, so it’s important to check the updated figures each year.
For 2025, the SGA limit is:
- $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
- $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
Non-Countable Earnings and Allowable Deductions
Not all income is counted toward the SGA limit. The SSA makes certain allowances that can reduce your countable earnings, making it easier for you to remain below the SGA threshold.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs):
If you have out-of-pocket expenses related to your disability that allow you to work, such as paying for specialized equipment, therapy, or personal assistance, these costs can be deducted from your earnings when determining whether you exceed the SGA level.
- Example: If you earn $1,600 a month but spend $200 on transportation services related to your disability, your countable income is reduced to $1,400—below the 2024 SGA limit for non-blind individuals.
Subsidized Employment:
Your employer might provide you with special accommodation or pay you more than the actual value of your work due to your disability. The employer does so to ensure disabled individuals get a fair chance to work. In these cases, the SSA may adjust your earnings downward. For instance, if you’re allowed extra breaks or given tasks less demanding than other employees but receive the same pay, the SSA might exclude the “extra” compensation from your income calculation. The details about how this works can be found in Social Security Rule 83-33.
Trial Work Period (TWP): Testing Your Ability to Work
To encourage SSDI beneficiaries to attempt returning to work without fear of losing their benefits, the SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to test your ability to work for a total of nine months (not necessarily consecutively) within a rolling 60-month period, during which you can earn any amount of income without it affecting your SSDI payments.
In 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 counts as a TWP month. During these months, you’ll continue receiving your full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn. In 2025, the level of income that will count as a TWP month is $1,160.
- Example: If you work part-time and earn $1,200 in January, that month counts toward your nine-month TWP. If you reduce your hours in February and earn $900, February does not count. This pattern continues until you’ve used all nine TWP months.
The TWP is a valuable opportunity to explore your work capabilities without risking your benefits. However, once you complete the nine months, you’ll move into the next phase of your work evaluation.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): Continued Support While You Work
After completing your TWP, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 consecutive months. During this time, the SSA closely monitors your earnings to determine if you remain eligible for SSDI benefits. Here’s how it works:
Earnings Below the SGA Limit: If your income stays below the SGA threshold, you’ll continue receiving SSDI payments as usual.
Earnings Above the SGA Limit: If your income exceeds the SGA limit during any month, your SSDI benefits will be suspended for that month. However, your benefits can be reinstated in any subsequent month when your income falls below the SGA threshold.
- Example: You earn $1,800 in June 2024, exceeding the SGA limit for non-blind individuals. Your SSDI benefits for June are suspended. If your earnings drop to $1,200 in July, your benefits will resume without requiring a new application.
What Happens After the EPE?
At the end of the 36-month EPE, the SSA conducts a review to determine your ongoing eligibility for SSDI benefits. If you’re still earning below the SGA limit, your benefits continue uninterrupted. If you’re earning above the limit, your benefits will cease.
However, the SSA offers additional safety nets for those whose disability prevents them from maintaining substantial work:
Expedited Reinstatement: If your SSDI benefits stop because of earnings above the SGA limit, but you later find that your condition prevents you from working again, you may qualify for expedited reinstatement of your benefits within five years. This process doesn’t require filing a new SSDI application and allows for temporary benefit payments while the SSA reviews your case.
Medicare Continuation: Even if your SSDI benefits end due to work, you may still qualify for Medicare coverage for at least 93 months (nearly eight years) after completing your TWP.
Why Choose National Disability Experts?
Understanding the SSA’s rules and maximizing your income opportunities while maintaining your SSDI benefits can feel overwhelming. National Disability Experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team has extensive experience helping clients win approval for and manage their SSDI benefits, understand their rights, and explore work opportunities without jeopardizing their financial stability.
Whether you’re concerned about exceeding the SGA limit, navigating the TWP and EPE processes, or handling complex issues like impairment-related work expenses and subsidized employment, we have the knowledge to protect your benefits and help you make informed decisions. Our clients appreciate the personal attention and thorough guidance we provide, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.
Getting the Support You Deserve
If you’re considering returning to work while receiving SSDI benefits, or if you have questions about how your earnings affect your eligibility, don’t hesitate to reach out to National Disability Experts. We understand the importance of financial security and are committed to helping you succeed within the framework of Social Security’s rules.
By working with our team, you can feel confident that you’re making the best decisions for your future while safeguarding the benefits you rely on. Contact National Disability Experts today to learn how we can assist you in navigating these complex regulations.