Working part-time while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be tricky. You may want to earn extra income, but working too much could affect your eligibility. Understanding the rules will help you avoid losing benefits unintentionally.
Understanding substantial gainful activity (SGA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets income limits to determine if someone is engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. In 2025 the limits rise to $1620 and $2700 for blind. If your earnings exceed this threshold, the SSA may decide you are no longer disabled and stop your benefits.
Trial work period and extended eligibility
SSDI allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work through a trial work period (TWP). During this period, you can earn more than the SGA limit without losing benefits. The TWP lasts for nine months within a rolling 60-month period. A month counts if you earn over $1,110 (in 2024). After the TWP, an extended eligibility period of 36 months allows you to work and still receive benefits for any month your earnings remain below SGA. Keep in mind, this is not for extra income. A trial work period is designed to help you get off benefits. You case will be reviewed at the end of a trial work period.
Missouri-specific considerations
Missouri follows federal SSDI guidelines but offers additional resources for disabled workers. The state’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps individuals with disabilities return to work without jeopardizing benefits. Additionally, Missouri Medicaid programs, such as Ticket to Work Health Assurance (TWHA), provide healthcare coverage for those who work part-time while receiving disability benefits.
Balancing work and benefits
Keeping track of your earnings and understanding the limits is essential to maintaining SSDI benefits. Reporting any income changes to the SSA ensures you stay compliant with program rules. If you plan to work part-time, consider using SSA’s work incentives, such as Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), to lower countable income and extend benefits.
