If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it’s important to understand how earning money may affect your eligibility. Social Security has set income limits, and exceeding these can impact your benefits. Given the complexity of these rules, consulting with National Disability Experts, law firm dedicated exclusively to disability benefits issues, can help you make informed decisions.
SSDI Income Limits in 2024
SSDI is designed for individuals who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to an injury or medical condition. For 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines SGA as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. For those who are blind, the limit is higher, allowing you to earn up to $2,590 monthly before your benefits may be affected. These thresholds are adjusted annually based on national wage trends.
If you plan to return to work, it’s essential to stay within these earning limits. Going over the limit could lead to a suspension of your benefits. If you are unsure of how to approach this, National Disability Experts can provide clarity and help you maintain your benefits while working.
How the Trial Work Period Works
One of the more flexible aspects of SSDI is the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to test your ability to work without losing your benefits. This period consists of nine months during which you can earn more than $1,050 per month without your benefits being affected. The nine months do not need to run consecutively; they can be spread over a five-year period. It’s a chance to see if you can re-enter the workforce without the immediate fear of losing your financial support.
After the nine-month TWP, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, you can still receive SSDI benefits for any month where your earnings fall below $1,550 (or $2,590 if you are blind). However, if your earnings exceed these thresholds, your benefits will be suspended for that month. It’s vital to track your income closely to avoid losing out on any benefits unnecessarily.
These rules are designed to provide some flexibility, but they can be complicated. If you’re unsure about how working could affect your benefits, National Disability Experts can help you understand these rules and ensure you’re making the best choices for your situation.
Reporting Work and Income
The SSA requires SSDI recipients to report any changes in their work status or income. This includes starting or stopping work, a change in pay, or if you become self-employed. Even if your earnings are below the SGA limit, you must still report them. Failure to do so could result in benefit overpayments, which you may be required to repay.
You can report your earnings through your personal “my Social Security” account, by phone, or by visiting your local SSA office.
Earned Income that Does Not Count
There are also provisions for deducting certain work-related expenses from your earnings if they are necessary due to your disability. For instance, transportation costs or specialized equipment may reduce your countable earnings, helping you stay under the SGA threshold.
Understanding how to report these changes properly can be difficult. National Disability Experts can guide you through this process, ensuring your benefits are protected while you explore employment options.
What If You Earn More Than the Limit?
If you earn more than the SGA limit after completing your Trial Work Period, your SSDI benefits will likely stop. However, the SSA offers an option called Expedited Reinstatement. This allows you to request a reinstatement of benefits if your disability prevents you from continuing to work and your income drops back below the SGA level. This process avoids the need to file a new application.
Understanding how to navigate this process is critical. Legal professionals, like those at National Disability Experts, can ensure that you are fully aware of your options and help you avoid losing your benefits unnecessarily.
SSI and Income Limits
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of SSDI, the rules differ. SSI is a needs-based program, and your income (both earned and unearned) can affect the amount of your monthly benefit. Each state may have its own rules regarding the calculation of income and the impact on benefits.
For SSI recipients, it’s important to know how much income you can earn before your benefits are reduced or suspended. The process is more complex than SSDI, as it involves calculating countable income, which may exclude certain types of support, like state supplements. Understanding these nuances can be tricky, and that’s where legal guidance from National Disability Experts becomes essential.
Contact National Disability Experts
Earning income while on Social Security Disability is possible, but understanding the rules is essential to protect your benefits. Whether you are considering entering a Trial Work Period, need assistance reporting your earnings, or are concerned about exceeding the income limits, National Disability Experts can provide expert guidance. Our attorneys specialize exclusively in Social Security Disability benefits and can offer personalized advice to help you manage your work and income while maintaining your eligibility. Contact our office today to ensure you’re making informed decisions about your disability benefits.