Social Security Disability Insurance provides financial support to people with disabilities that prevent them from working enough to support themselves. However, many individuals may wonder if they can at least work part-time without losing their SSDI benefits.
The answer depends on several factors, including the amount of income earned and whether the work qualifies as substantial gainful activity.
The limits for working part-time
The Social Security Administration sets income limits to determine whether an individual is still considered disabled under SSDI definitions. In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you earn more than the SGA limit from part-time work, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and stop your benefits. However, if earnings remain below the SGA threshold, you can continue receiving SSDI benefits while working part-time.
Leveraging the trial work period
Georgia residents can also take advantage of the SSA’s trial work period. This allows you to test your ability to return to work without immediately losing benefits. During a trial work period, you can work for up to nine months over a rolling 60-month period while continuing to receive full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much you earn. For 2024, any month in which an individual earns more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
Once the trial work period ends, you will enter the extended period of eligibility. The EPE lasts for 36 months, during which you will receive SSDI benefits for any month you earn less than the SGA limit. If earnings exceed the SGA limit, your benefits will suspend. However, if earnings drop below the limit again, SSDI benefits can resume without the need to reapply.
If you remain mindful of SGA income limits, you can certainly work part-time and still receive SSDI benefits. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions as an SSDI recipient seeking part-time employment.