How Much Can You Make While On Social Security Disability In 2024?

If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, those benefits are likely an important source of financial support and stability. Understandably, you don’t want to do anything to put those benefits at risk.

On the other hand, you may also be interested in returning to some form of work and earning additional income if and when you are able. If that’s the case, you may be wondering whether a return to work will cause the Social Security Administration to terminate your benefits. That’s an understandable question.

If you want to return to some form of work, the good news is that the Social Security Administration offers certain incentives, including its Ticket to Work program. This program is intended to help those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who also receive monthly disability benefit payments.

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

If you get disability benefits and are working or want to work, the Social Security Administration offers incentives to help make that possible. The Ticket to Work Program is one such program.  

Those who participate in the Ticket to Work Program may receive:

• Vocational rehabilitation
• Training
• Job search services
• Various other types of employment support.

Additionally, the Social Security Administration does not conduct medical reviews of program participants, provided they are progressing toward their work goals.

If you’re considering applying for the Ticket to Work Program, you can visit www.choosework.ssa.gov to learn more about Ticket to Work and various other work incentives. There is also a Ticket to Work Help Line for those with additional questions about the program. A representative can be reached at 1-866-968-7842, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

What Other Work Incentives Are Offered?

In addition to the Ticket to Work program, the Social Security Administration offers other incentives to those attempting to return to work. One key incentive is the “trial work period.” The trial work period allows those attempting to return to work to do so for at least nine months, during which time, full Social Security benefits will continue to be paid. This is the case regardless of how much income is earned as long as the employee reports the earnings and continues to have a disability.

In 2024, a “trial work month” is considered any month with total earnings over $1,110. The trial work period will continue until an individual has worked for nine cumulative months within a 60-month period.

What Happens After the Trial Work Period Ends?

Even after the trial work period has ended, an individual can continue to work and still receive benefits for any month in which earnings are not “substantial.” This is known as the “substantial gainful activity limit.” In 2024, the Social Security Administration considers earnings over $1,550 ($2,590 if you’re blind) to be substantial. It’s important to keep in mind, however that in calculating the earning limit, the Social Security Administration will deduct any work expenses that an individual has because of their disability. For example, a disabled individual may need transportation to and from work, certain prescriptions in order to be able to work without discomfort, a wheelchair, or other specialized work equipment.

If benefits are discontinued, because you have earned more than the substantial gainful activity limit after your trial work period, you will have five years to request that the Social Security Administration restart your benefits if you once again become unable to work as a result of your condition. If that is the case, you typically won’t have to file a new application or wait for your benefits to restart while proof of the recurrence of your disability is being reviewed.

Understandably, these matters can seem complicated. While returning to work can be exciting, you also want to be sure that you’re doing all you can to protect your legal rights. That’s why you’ll need a legal team on your side that knows and understands the law. At Keener Law, we’re here for you.

Keener Law – Here For You

At  Keener Law, we are proud of our reputation for serving every client with the right blend of knowledge, experience and expertise they deserve. When pursuing a claim for disability benefits, you want to know that your attorneys are always pursuing the best legal strategies on your behalf. Our team will always do that. We understand exactly how important disability benefits can be as a source of financial support and stability. That’s why we will always strive to represent you with excellence. You deserve nothing less. Your benefits are important to you, and they are important to us. Let’s work together to assert your rights. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.