1. The SSA’s Work and Income Guidelines

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows SSDI recipients to work under certain conditions. The main factor they consider is whether you're engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

• In 2025, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind.
• If you earn less than the SGA limit, you can typically keep your SSDI benefits.
• Exceeding the limit may result in the SSA determining you’re no longer disabled, even if you're only working part-time.

2. Understanding the Trial Work Period (TWP)

The SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP) to encourage SSDI recipients to test their ability to work:

• You can earn any amount for up to 9 trial work months within a 60-month period.
• During those months, you will still receive full SSDI benefits, regardless of income level.
• A month counts as a TWP month if you earn more than $1,110 (in 2025).

After the TWP, your earnings will be evaluated more closely under SGA rules.

3. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing the Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):

• If your monthly earnings remain below the SGA limit, you continue receiving SSDI.
• If your income exceeds the SGA limit, your benefits may be suspended for that month—but not permanently revoked.

The SSA will reinstate benefits in any month your earnings drop below SGA during the EPE.

4. Reporting Your Work Activity

If you're working part-time while on SSDI, it’s crucial to report all work activity to the SSA, including:



• Start and stop dates
• Hours worked
• Gross monthly earnings

Failure to report changes can result in overpayments or benefit termination.