Can You Work Part-Time On SSI or SSDI?

Understanding the income limits that come with living on Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is critical for many. There is a common pressing question: “Can you work part-time and get disability?”

The answer is yes, but the balance between the two is crucial. Working while receiving SSD requires careful adherence to the specific rules and limitations set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In this blog, we discuss those limitations and help disability recipients understand how they can earn a wage while getting benefits.

Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part-Time?

The fear of losing disability benefits often deters people from seeking part-time employment. However, the SSA recognizes the value of work and has provisions that allow for limited work activity.

• Trial Work Period (TWP): The SSA provides a Trial Work Period where individuals can test their ability to work for at least 9 months within 60 months. Throughout your TWP, you can collect full benefits no matter how much you earn. As long as you report your work activity, you still get disability. The TWP program does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
• Ticket to Work: Ticket to Work supports career development for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI. The program’s core goal is to help beneficiaries reduce or eventually eliminate their reliance on disability benefits by supporting a safe transition into employment.

While the TWP and Ticket to Work programs offer a valuable opportunity to explore employment without immediate impact on your benefits, it’s crucial to proceed with awareness. The journey into part-time work requires adhering to the SSA’s parameters to ensure ongoing eligibility for benefits.

Rules & Restrictions About Working Part-Time On Disability

You can work part-time and collect disability, but understanding the rules and restrictions is key to maintaining your benefits. Below, we talk about various SSA guidelines to be aware of when you return to work.

• Reporting Requirements: All earnings must be reported to the SSA. This includes changes in work hours, wages, or the type of work.
• Earnings Thresholds: It’s important to note that the SSA sets specific earnings thresholds. SSD recipients must not be able to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) while receiving benefits. The SGA amounts are adjusted annually. In 2026, for example, earning more than $1690 per month for non-blind individuals indicates that you are engaged in SGA.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): The EPE is a 36-month SSDI work incentive. It begins the month following the end of your TWP. It provides a safety net for testing sustained work by paying SSDI benefits in any month your countable earnings stay below the SGA threshold.
• Impairment‑Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): The SSA disregards certain disability‑related costs needed for you to work (e.g., specialized transportation or assistive devices) when deciding if your earnings are over SGA limits.
• Continued Medical Coverage: Under certain conditions, you can continue to receive Medicare or Medicaid while working.

Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA)

If you’re on SSD and working part-time, there may come a point where you are no longer able to sustain employment. A UWA is when you try to work but have to stop or significantly reduce your hours within 6 months or less because:

• Your disability/impairment makes it too difficult, OR
• You lose special accommodations needed to do the job

When Social Security decides if you’re still disabled, they won’t count the money you earned during a UWA against you. This protects your disability benefits if you genuinely tried to work but couldn’t sustain it due to your condition.

Navigating Disability Benefits With Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein

For those who want to work while on disability, understanding the SSA’s strict guidelines and requirements is crucial. This is where our team at Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein becomes invaluable. At Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein, our attorneys understand Social Security Disability law and the nuances of working while receiving benefits.

Recognizing that each case is unique, we offer personalized strategies. We help you navigate the complexities of SSD benefits while considering part-time work opportunities.

From the initial application to appeals, our team ensures that your case is presented effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. Even after securing benefits, our support continues, helping clients understand and comply with work and reporting requirements.

Contact Us

For people on disability or considering applying for benefits, the prospect of part-time work is a nuanced but feasible option. With professional guidance from Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein, you can explore this avenue with confidence. We help ensure that your rights and benefits remain protected.

Whether you’re just beginning your SSD journey or looking to understand how part-time work fits into your current situation, we’re here to help. Our skilled attorneys can provide a strong foundation for making informed decisions.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Discover why thousands of clients have trusted us to help them obtain Social Security Disability benefits for decades.