Working while receiving SSDI can help cover expenses, regain routine, or test your ability to return to the workforce. But it comes with rules that require close attention. Even a few hours a week can impact your benefits.
Many overlook the fine print until it causes trouble. Income caps shift, trial periods end, and missteps lead to penalties or even criminal charges.
This article breaks down how work fits into SSDI, including legal limits, key phases, and risks to watch.
Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity and Income Thresholds
Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, is the SSA’s benchmark for deciding if your work counts as self-supporting. In 2025, the monthly limit sits at $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are blind. Earning more than this can result in the suspension of benefits.
SGA is not only about how much money comes in. It also factors in the type of work, particularly freelance gigs, the number of hours required, and the consistency of the activity.
SSA tracks both gross income and work effort, even if pay fluctuates. Documentation, such as timesheets and invoices, matters as much as pay stubs. Consistent reporting builds trust and protects your eligibility in the long term.
How the Trial Work Period Works and When It Ends
The Trial Work Period, or TWP, lets you test employment without risking your SSDI checks. Any month where earnings exceed $1,110 counts as a trial month. You can use up to nine of these months within a rolling 60-month window.
Months do not need to be consecutive. You might work one month, stop for several, then work again. SSA tracks the total, and once you hit nine, the trial ends. Even if earnings drop later, that ninth month still counts.
After TWP ends, your case moves into a new phase with different rules. SSA will start evaluating your income against the SGA threshold instead of the lower TWP amount. Your benefits stay in place for now, but the margin for error shrinks.
What Continues After the Trial Work Period Ends
After the Trial Work Period wraps, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility, or EPE. This 36-month window allows you to retain SSDI for any month your earnings go below the SGA limit. Benefits pause only during months when income rises above that threshold.
SSA does not require a new application during EPE. As long as the medical condition persists and earnings drop below the SGA amount, payments resume automatically. That flexibility is particularly important when work hours vary.
Toward the end of EPE, things tighten. If income remains high, SSDI can be stopped permanently. Reinstating later means starting from scratch unless you qualify for expedited reinstatement based on past eligibility.
Steps to Take After SSDI Approval if You Plan to Work
After receiving your SSDI approval, carefully review your award letter. That document outlines key dates, your monthly benefit amount, and the start date of your Trial Work Period.
Before accepting a job, call your local SSA office. Clarify how your hours and wages will count toward your Trial Work Period. Inconsistent guidance happens, so write down the name of the rep and the date you called.
Legal support is equally important. Therefore, consult an SSDI attorney, who can help you establish a reporting system and review employment contracts for potential risk factors. That’s especially useful if you’re freelancing or working multiple gigs.
Common Reporting Mistakes That Trigger Investigations
Failing to report work activity on time ranks high among triggers. Even one unreported paycheck can flag your file for a review. SSA uses IRS and state wage databases to match earnings against beneficiary records.
Self-employed individuals run into trouble when they assume only profits matter. SSA looks at total income, work hours, and job duties. Cleaning up reporting errors after an audit begins rarely ends well.
Inconsistent work logs and vague job descriptions can also pose issues. SSA reviews patterns, so if your bank deposits show income but your reports show none, that mismatch draws attention fast.
Legal Risks of Exceeding SGA or Misreporting Income
Exceeding the SGA threshold without reporting can trigger an overpayment notice. SSA will demand repayment, even if the excess was small or unintentional.
Failure to report work or income accurately may lead to fraud investigations. SSA refers severe cases to the Office of the Inspector General. Penalties include benefit termination, fines, or even criminal charges.
In many cases, the problem starts with unclear recordkeeping. Work logs, invoices, and pay stubs should align with your reported information. When SSA sees gaps, it assumes intent to deceive, and that puts your entire benefit history under review.
Wrapping Up
Work under SSDI is possible, but the system rewards those who track the details, not just the dollars. Cutting corners, even once, can cost more than missed wages.
If you have any doubts or questions, consult someone familiar with the terrain. An SSDI attorney or benefits counselor can help you build a plan that protects your benefits while giving you room to earn.
