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If you’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you don’t have to go through the appeals process alone. Porta-Clark & Ward are here to help you navigate the system and get the benefits you need. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers will fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation today.
Can You Continue to Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
Receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits provides crucial financial support for individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. However, many people wonder if they can continue working while receiving these benefits. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, including the amount of income you earn, the type of work you’re doing, and whether you’re engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
What is Social Security Disability?
Before diving into the specifics of working while on disability, it’s important to understand what SSD benefits are and who qualifies for them. SSD is a government program designed to provide financial assistance to people who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and it’s available to individuals who have worked in jobs that are covered by Social Security and have paid into the system through payroll taxes.
To qualify for SSD benefits, you must demonstrate that you have a disabling condition that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, you must have a sufficient work history and meet the SSA’s criteria for disability.
Can You Work While Receiving SSD Benefits?
The SSA allows individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits to work, but there are strict rules surrounding how much you can earn and the type of work you can do without jeopardizing your benefits. Specifically, the SSA has set limits for what it considers “substantial gainful activity.” If you exceed these limits, you may lose your SSD benefits.
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA defines substantial gainful activity (SGA) as the level of work activity and earnings that is significant enough to disqualify someone from receiving disability benefits. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, the SSA may consider you capable of working and, therefore, ineligible for SSD benefits.
The SGA limit is based on your gross income, not your net income, which means it includes all earnings before taxes and other deductions. This means that if you make more than the SGA amount, the SSA will assume that you’re able to perform work at a level that is inconsistent with the definition of disability. - Trial Work Period (TWP): The SSA understands that many individuals who are receiving SSD benefits may want to test their ability to work without the fear of losing their benefits immediately. To accommodate this, the SSA has a Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows you to work and still receive benefits, as long as you meet certain requirements.
During the TWP, you can work and earn any amount of money without losing your SSD benefits. The TWP lasts for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period. In 2025, the SSA considers any month in which you earn more than $1,050 as a “trial work month.” Once you’ve used up your nine trial work months, the SSA will evaluate your work activity to determine if you’re able to continue performing substantial gainful activity. If, after completing the TWP, the SSA determines that you can engage in SGA, your disability benefits will be stopped. However, if your health worsens or your disability prevents you from continuing to work, you may be able to restart your benefits. - Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If your SSD benefits stop because you exceeded the SGA limit, but you are later unable to continue working due to your disability, the SSA offers an expedited reinstatement (EXR) option. This allows you to apply for your benefits to be reinstated without going through the full application process again.
The EXR process makes it easier to quickly resume benefits if your condition worsens. However, it’s important to note that you must request EXR within five years of your benefits stopping and prove that you are no longer able to engage in SGA.
What Kind of Work Can You Do?
The type of work you do can also affect your eligibility for SSD benefits. In general, the SSA looks at whether the work is considered “substantial.” This means that even if you work part-time or in a lower-paying job, it may still be considered substantial gainful activity if it requires significant effort or provides earnings that exceed the SGA threshold.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when considering working while receiving SSD benefits:
- Type of Work Doesn’t Matter (Unless It’s SGA)
Whether you’re working in a field related to your previous occupation or taking on a new job, the key factor is whether the work is considered substantial gainful activity. You can work in any field you choose, as long as your earnings and work effort do not exceed the limits set by the SSA. - Part-Time Work and Disability
You can engage in part-time work while receiving SSD benefits, as long as your earnings don’t exceed the SGA limit. The SSA recognizes that individuals with disabilities may not be able to work full-time, so part-time work that remains within the income limits can be acceptable. - Self-Employment and Disability
Many people wonder whether they can be self-employed and still receive SSD benefits. The SSA evaluates self-employment the same way as it evaluates traditional employment. If you’re self-employed, you must still ensure that your work does not exceed the SGA limits. The SSA will look at your net earnings, the number of hours you work, and whether your self-employment is considered substantial. If it is, you could lose your benefits.
How Does Working Affect Your Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you exceed the SGA limit or fail to comply with the SSA’s rules, your SSD benefits could be suspended or terminated. However, the rules are designed to be flexible, and the SSA provides several mechanisms to protect beneficiaries who are trying to return to work.
If you earn more than the SGA limit but are still experiencing difficulties due to your disability, you may be eligible for other programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a different form of assistance. It’s also important to remember that returning to work doesn’t automatically mean you will lose your benefits. The SSA considers multiple factors when assessing your eligibility.
How Can You Safeguard Your Benefits?
To avoid jeopardizing your Social Security Disability benefits, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Track Your Earnings
Be mindful of how much you’re earning each month. Keep track of your income to ensure that you don’t exceed the SGA limit unintentionally. - Consult with the SSA
If you’re thinking about going back to work, it’s important to talk to the SSA to ensure that your work activity complies with their rules. They can guide you through the process and help you understand how returning to work might affect your benefits. - Consider a Trial Work Period
Take advantage of the Trial Work Period if you want to test your ability to return to work without the immediate risk of losing your benefits. This allows you to assess your capacity to work while maintaining your SSD benefits. - Consult a Disability Lawyer
If you’re unsure about how returning to work will affect your SSD benefits, or if you face complications, consulting with a disability lawyer can help ensure that you’re making informed decisions. A lawyer can also assist you in filing for benefits reinstatement or appealing decisions made by the SSA.
Speak to a Trusted Social Security Disability Attorney
If you are considering returning to work while receiving SSD benefits, make sure you understand the potential impacts on your eligibility and take steps to protect your financial support. Porta-Clark & Ward have the experience to guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact a trusted Green Tree Social Security Disability attorney today at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.