Yes, you can work part time on Social Security Disability, but your earnings are closely watched

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) both allow you to work, but there are strict limits on how much you can earn before your benefits are reduced or stopped. The rules are different for SSDI and SSI, and they change depending on whether you are testing your ability to work or earning ongoing income.

The key is understanding your specific program's earnings limit and reporting your work to Social Security. If you do not report earnings or exceed the limit without knowing it, you may receive an overpayment notice and owe money back.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without losing benefits, but this amount changes yearly and varies by program.
  • SSI has a lower limit of $65 per month plus half of remaining earnings, meaning you keep less of what you earn.
  • You must report all work and earnings to Social Security within 10 days of starting a job or changing your hours.
  • The Trial Work Period lets SSDI recipients work for nine months without any earnings limit, but you must still report your work.
  • If you earn above the limit, your benefits are reduced or stopped, but you may still have Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

SSDI earnings limits and how they work

If you receive SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount each month without losing your full benefit. In 2024, that amount is $1,550 per month. Social Security calls this the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. If you earn more than this in a month, your benefits for that month are stopped, but you do not lose SSDI permanently — your benefits resume the next month if your earnings drop back below the limit.

The SGA limit increases each year. Social Security announces the new amount in October or November for the following year. You can find the current limit on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The limit applies to your net earnings after work expenses, not your gross pay.

There is also a Trial Work Period available to SSDI recipients. During this nine-month window, you can earn any amount without losing benefits. You still must report your work to Social Security, and the nine months do not have to be consecutive — you can use them spread across 60 months. After the Trial Work Period ends, the regular SGA limit applies again.

SSI earnings limits are lower and calculated differently

If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), the earnings rules are stricter. SSI allows you to keep the first $65 of monthly earnings, then you lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that. This means part-time work reduces your SSI payment significantly.

For example, if you earn $200 per month, you keep the first $65. The remaining $135 is divided by two, so you lose $67.50 in SSI benefits. Your SSI payment drops by that amount. Unlike SSDI, there is no Trial Work Period for SSI, and the $65 exclusion does not increase yearly.

SSI also counts other income — such as help from family members or money from other sources — when calculating your benefit. If someone gives you money or pays your rent, that may reduce your SSI payment.

What you must report and when

You are required to tell Social Security about any work within 10 days of starting a job. This includes part-time work, self-employment, and volunteer work that pays you. You can report by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting your local Social Security office, or online through your my Social Security account.

When you report, have ready: the name and address of your employer, your job title, the date you started, your pay rate, and how often you are paid. If your hours or pay change, report that too. Social Security uses this information to calculate whether your earnings affect your benefits that month.

Many people worry about reporting because they fear losing benefits. But not reporting is worse — if Social Security discovers unreported earnings later, you may owe back a large overpayment. Reporting protects you and keeps your record accurate.

How work affects your benefits month to month

For SSDI, benefits are stopped only in months when you earn more than the SGA limit. If you work part time and stay under the limit most months, your benefits continue. In months when you exceed it, you receive no SSDI payment, but your Medicare coverage usually continues for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends.

For SSI, your benefit is reduced every month based on your earnings. The reduction happens automatically once Social Security processes your report. Your SSI payment is recalculated, and you receive the lower amount going forward until your earnings change.

Both programs allow you to have work expenses that reduce your countable earnings. If you are self-employed or have costs directly tied to your job — such as special equipment, transportation, or attendant care — you may be able to deduct these. Ask Social Security which expenses count for your situation.

Medicare and Medicaid continue even if benefits stop

If your SSDI benefits stop because you earn too much, your Medicare coverage does not stop when ready. You can keep Medicare for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends, even if you are earning above the SGA limit. After that period, you can buy into Medicare by paying a monthly premium.

If you receive SSI and your benefits are reduced or stop due to work, your Medicaid coverage may continue depending on your state. Some states continue Medicaid as long as you meet other SSI rules, even if your earnings are too high. Contact your state Medicaid office or ask Social Security about your state's rules.

Keeping health insurance is important when you work, because a medical setback could affect your ability to continue working. Do not assume your coverage ends when your benefit payment stops.

Planning part-time work on disability

Before you start a job, contact Social Security and ask about your specific situation. Tell them how many hours you plan to work and what the pay will be. They can tell you whether your benefits will be affected and what you need to report.

If you are on SSDI and have not used your Trial Work Period yet, ask about using it strategically. Some people use it to test whether they can handle work without the pressure of losing benefits when ready. Others use it to build work history before the regular SGA limit applies.

Keep records of all your earnings, hours worked, and any work-related expenses. If Social Security questions your income later, you will have documentation. Also keep copies of your reports to Social Security so you can prove you reported accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I earn over the limit and do not report it?

Social Security may discover the unreported earnings through tax records or employer reports. You will then owe back benefits you received while earning above the limit. This overpayment can be large, and Social Security will ask you to repay it or deduct it from future benefits. Reporting on time prevents this.

Can I work if I am still waiting for my disability decision?

Yes. Working while your case is pending does not hurt your case. However, if you are working and earning substantial income, Social Security may use that as evidence that you are not disabled. Be honest about what you can and cannot do, and report your work.

Does self-employment count the same as a job?

Self-employment income counts toward your earnings limit, but the rules are more complex. You report net profit (income minus business expenses), not gross revenue. If you are self-employed, ask Social Security for a detailed explanation of which expenses you can deduct, because the rules differ from regular employment.

What if my part-time job is temporary or seasonal?

Temporary or seasonal work still counts toward your monthly earnings limit. Report it the same way you would report permanent work. If you work only certain months, your benefits will be affected only in those months when you earn above the limit.

Can I go back on benefits if I stop working?

For SSDI, if your benefits stopped because you earned too much, they restart automatically the next month your earnings drop below the SGA limit. You do not have to reapply. For SSI, your benefit is recalculated the month your earnings change. Report the change to Social Security so the adjustment happens quickly.