What Are the Rules for Working While on SSD?

While most people receiving Social Security Disability (SSD or SSDI) do not return to work after becoming disabled, many SSDI recipients do recover enough from their disabling impairment to attempt to perform some work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established rules and programs to support these individuals who wish to work while on SSDI. This blog article explains the rules governing how someone receiving SSDI benefits can work and continue to receive their full benefits, how they can remain eligible to regain their benefits without waiting, and how much they can earn while working and staying on SSDI.

The disability law attorneys at The Keener Law Firm are committed to ensuring that every disability claimant fully understands the many options available to them while receiving SSDI benefits. In the past, some SSDI benefits recipients feared that they would lose their benefits if they attempted to work. So many chose not to try to work. To encourage those who may be able to work to attempt to do so, the Social Security Administration created several pathways to allow benefit recipients to try to work without risking the monthly benefits they need to survive.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA’s primary focus when evaluating an SSDI recipient’s work activity is determining whether they are engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). SGA is defined as work involving a significant physical or mental effort and results in earnings exceeding a certain threshold. As of 2024, the SGA threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Individuals whose disability is blindness can earn up to $2,590 per month.

If an SSDI recipient’s earnings exceed these thresholds, it triggers a review of their eligibility for benefits. However, there are programs that allow you to exceed the income cap without losing your disability benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

To help SSDI recipients explore their employment options, the SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, individuals can work and earn an unlimited amount without threatening their disability benefits. The TWP permits an SSDI benefit recipient to earn an unlimited income for nine months within a rolling 60-month period.

The nine months do not have to be consecutive. An SSD benefits recipient might find after working three months that they are unable to continue due to their impairment. They will then have the opportunity to try working six more months over the course of five years beginning from the first month they worked.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

Following the TWP, the SSDI recipient enters the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 consecutive months. During the EPE, benefits are suspended for any month in which the individual’s earnings exceed the SGA threshold. If their earnings drop below the SGA threshold in a subsequent month, they will be eligible to receive benefits again without needing to file a new application.

This “suspension and reinstatement” process continues throughout the EPE. If an individual’s earnings consistently remain below SGA, their benefits continue without interruption. After the EPE, the SSDI recipient enters the “disability cessation” period, where benefits can be reinstated without a new application if they become unable to work again due to the same disability which was the basis for their earlier claim.

Ticket to Work Program

The SSA understands that returning to work can be a complex process for individuals with disabilities. To support this transition, they offer the Ticket to Work program. This program provides access to a range of employment support services, including vocational rehabilitation, job training, career counseling, and job placement.

Here’s how the Ticket to Work program works:

Eligibility

SSDI recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 automatically receive a “ticket” to participate in the program. This ticket can be used to access employment support services from authorized service providers.

Selecting Your Service Provider

Individuals can choose from a list of authorized service providers in their area. These providers offer various services tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

Obtaining Services

Once a service provider is selected, the individual can begin receiving services aimed at helping them prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

Protection from Being Subject to Medical Reviews

While participating in the Ticket to Work program, SSDI recipients are typically protected from medical reviews, which are periodic evaluations of their disability status. This protection provides peace of mind to those exploring employment opportunities.

Attaining Self-Sufficiency

The ultimate goal of the Ticket to Work program is to help individuals with disabilities achieve greater self-sufficiency and financial independence. It’s a valuable resource for those who wish to work but may need additional support to do so successfully.

Reporting All Earnings and Changes

To maintain eligibility for SSDI benefits while working, it’s essential to report earnings and any significant changes in your work status to the SSA. Failure to do so could result in overpayments, which you may be required to repay.

Returning to work while on SSDI is a significant step toward greater independence and financial stability. The rules and programs in place, such as the Trial Work Period, the Extended Period of Eligibility, and the Ticket to Work program, were created to aid people during this transition.

Are you thinking about returning to work while you are on Social Security Disability? If so, contact The Keener Law Firm for knowledgeable and reliable guidance tailored to your situation. We will guide you through all the complexities of SSDI rules and regulations, and ensure you make informed decisions about your employment options while protecting your vital disability benefits.