Can You Work While Receiving Social Security Disability? Here's What You Need to Know

Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability benefits can be daunting. Among the most frequently asked questions is whether recipients can continue to work while receiving these benefits. The answer is not only important for financial stability but also for personal fulfillment.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline for millions of Americans who are unable to work due to a significant disability. However, many individuals wonder if they can still engage in some level of work without jeopardizing their benefits.

The simple answer is yes—working while receiving SSDI is possible, but there are crucial rules and limits you need to be aware of. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established guidelines to ensure beneficiaries can test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits.

The Trial Work Period

The SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows beneficiaries to ease back into the workforce. During this period, you can work for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window. For any month you earn over a specific amount—$1,050 in 2023—it's considered a trial month, and you will receive your full benefits regardless of your earnings.

The Extended Period of Eligibility

Following your TWP, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts 36 months. During this time, you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2023.

If your earnings exceed the SGA level, SSDI benefits will be suspended for those months. However, if your work income drops below the threshold at any point within the EPE, you can have your benefits reinstated without needing to reapply.

Incentives and Exclusions

The SSA also provides work incentives to encourage beneficiaries to attempt rejoining the workforce. These include:

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Costs directly associated with your disability that you incur while working, such as transportation or specialized equipment, can be deducted from your earnings.
Continued Medicare Coverage: Even if your SSDI benefits cease, your Medicare coverage can extend for many years beyond the EPE, ensuring you continue to receive essential healthcare.

Delving into Financial and Educational Support

Understanding how to balance work while on disability opens the doors to exploring a wider array of financial and educational assistance programs:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For individuals with limited income and resources, this program provides additional support based on financial need.
State and Local Assistance Programs: Many states offer aid through programs that supplement the federal assistance you receive, which can ease the transition to re-entering the workforce.
Debt Relief Solutions: Managing debt while living on a fixed income can be daunting. Solutions range from credit counseling to consolidating debts, providing some relief as you navigate returning to work.
Educational Grants and Scholarships: Increasing your skills through education can significantly boost your employability and earnings potential. Grants and scholarships for those with disabilities are available and can make further education affordable.

Understanding these options can create a sense of empowerment and financial health as you explore working alongside receiving benefits.

Helpful Resources for Financial and Educational Support

While understanding the frameworks of SSDI, consider exploring these avenues for additional support:

💰 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
🏛️ State and Local Disability Programs
📝 Educational Grants & Scholarships for Disabled Individuals
📊 Debt Relief Services and Credit Counseling
🏥 Continued Medicare Coverage Options
🔍 Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) to Maximize Earnings