People receiving disability benefits in Missouri ask us this question all the time: “If I work a few hours, will I lose my benefits?” The answer depends on which disability program you receive. The rules for working are very different for SSI and SSDI, so it is important to know which program you have.
Social Security runs two main disability programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources. Both provide monthly benefits, but they have different rules when you start working.
SSI Works Like a Sliding Scale
If you receive SSI, there is no Trial Work Period. Instead, your SSI payment usually goes down as your countable income goes up.
SSA generally does not count the first $20 of income each month. For wages from a job, it generally does not count another $65. After that, SSA generally counts half of your remaining wages when calculating your SSI payment.
For example, someone receiving the maximum federal SSI payment in 2026 with no other countable income could see that payment reach $0 at about $2,073 in gross monthly wages. Your amount may be different because other income and special exclusions can change the calculation.
How the SSDI Trial Work Period Works
SSDI has different work rules. One of them is the Trial Work Period (TWP). It gives you nine months to test your ability to work while continuing to receive SSDI benefits.
The nine months do not have to be in a row. SSA looks at your work over a rolling 60-month period. During your TWP, there is generally no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your SSDI payment. You must still report your work to SSA.
In 2026, a month generally counts toward your TWP if you earn $1,210 or more before taxes. Different rules apply if you are self-employed.
What Happens After the Trial Work Period?
After you use all nine Trial Work Period months, you generally enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). Think of this as another period when your ability to receive SSDI can change based on how much you work and earn.
During this period, an important number is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In simple terms, SSA uses SGA to help decide whether your work is high enough to affect your disability benefits.
In 2026, the SGA amount is $1,690 per month for most people and $2,830 for people who are blind. Do not confuse this with the $1,210 Trial Work Period amount. They are two different limits used for different purposes.
There is also a grace period the first time SSA decides your disability has ended because of work above the SGA level after your Trial Work Period. You may continue receiving benefits for that month and the next two months.
Work Reviews and Medical Reviews Are Different
Going back to work does not automatically end your disability benefits. SSA may review your work to decide whether your earnings affect your benefits. This is called a work review.
A medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is different. During a medical CDR, SSA reviews your health and medical evidence to decide whether you still meet its disability rules. Some people who have received disability benefits for at least 24 months have protection from a medical review being started only because they went back to work.
The type of work you do can still matter. For example, suppose your medical records say you cannot regularly lift heavy objects, but your job requires heavy lifting every day. SSA may consider that information when reviewing your condition. However, working below the SGA amount does not automatically mean your disability has ended.
What Missouri Disability Recipients Should Know Before Working
Before starting a job while receiving disability benefits, keep three things in mind.
First, know whether you receive SSI, SSDI, or both. The work rules are different.
Second, keep track of your earnings. Overtime, bonuses, and extra hours can increase your monthly income. Report your work and wages to SSA and keep your pay stubs.
Third, think about whether the job matches the limits described in your medical records. If your doctors say you have serious limits on standing or lifting, for example, a job that requires you to stand and lift throughout the day could raise questions.
What If You Have to Stop Working Again?
Sometimes people try to return to work and find that their medical condition makes it impossible to continue.
If your SSDI benefits ended because of your work and earnings, you may be able to use Expedited Reinstatement if you have to stop or reduce your work because of the same or a related medical condition. This process may allow you to ask SSA to restart your benefits without filing a new disability application.
You generally have five years after your benefits ended because of work to request Expedited Reinstatement. Other requirements also apply.
If you receive disability benefits in Missouri and are thinking about part-time work, contact the attorneys and disability lawyers at Crowe & Shanahan before you start. Our Social Security Disability law firm can help you understand the work rules, how your job could affect your benefits, and what you need to report to SSA.