Many individuals receiving disability benefits wonder, “Will I lose my disability if I work part-time?”. This is a common concern that can cause anxiety and hesitation when considering employment. The good news is that in most cases, working part-time won’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits.
However, there are specific rules and factors to consider. Understanding how part-time work impacts your social security disability benefits is vital for your financial future. Whether you’re on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs to help you transition back to work without immediately losing your benefits.
The Basics of Disability Benefits and Part-Time Work
It’s important to understand the relationship between disability benefits and part-time work. The SSA recognizes that many people with disabilities may want to test their ability to work or increase their income, all without risking their entire support system.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you receive SSDI benefits, the SSA allows part-time work under specific conditions. The main factor is whether your work is considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
As long as your earnings stay below the SGA limit, you can generally continue receiving full SSDI benefits. Remember to report any changes in your work status or income to the SSA to ensure proper benefit calculations.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For SSI recipients, the rules are slightly different. Your SSI benefits might be reduced if you have income, including earnings from part-time work. The SSA offers work incentives that allow some income without losing all your benefits.
Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part-Time?
The short answer is: not necessarily. The SSA has programs to encourage beneficiaries to explore work without immediate loss of benefits. Let’s examine some key programs:
Trial Work Period (TWP)
For SSDI recipients, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows testing your ability to work for at least nine months. During this period, earnings won’t cause you to lose benefits. In 2025, any month with earnings over $1,160 (or over 80 hours of self-employment) is a trial work month.
After the nine-month TWP, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) begins. During this EPE, you can still get benefits for any month your earnings are below the SGA limit.
Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work program helps disability beneficiaries find employment. This voluntary program gives access to employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
Expenses related to your disability that enable you to work can be deducted from earnings. These are called Impairment-Related Work Expenses. This can help keep earnings below the SGA limit.
Understanding the Earnings Limits
One of the most important factors is staying within the earnings limits set by the SSA. Key thresholds include:
| Benefit Type | 2025 Monthly Earnings Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSDI (non-blind) | $1,620 | SGA limit |
| SSDI (blind) | $2,700 | SGA limit |
| SSI | Varies by state | Benefits reduce gradually as income increases |
These limits may change annually, so stay informed. Keep up to date on Social Security Administration news by visiting their official website.
Reporting Your Work Activity
When working part-time while receiving disability benefits, report it to the SSA promptly. Failing to report changes in employment or income can lead to problems. You could be overpaid, have your benefits terminated, and other potential legal issues.
Report the following:
- Start or stop of work.
- Changes in duties, hours, or pay.
- Work-related expenses due to your disability.
Report these changes by phone, mail, or at your local Social Security office. The SSA also offers an online wage reporting system.
The Impact on Medical Coverage
Many beneficiaries worry about losing medical coverage with part-time work. Fortunately, there are provisions to maintain health insurance.
- Medicare: If receiving SSDI, Medicare coverage continues for up to 8.5 years after the trial work period, even if cash benefits stop.
- Medicaid: If receiving SSI and benefits stop due to earnings, Medicaid may continue through the SSA’s Continued Medicaid Eligibility Section 1619(b) program.
Extended coverage options act as a safety net during your return to work.
Strategies for Success
Here are strategies for working part-time while receiving benefits:
- Start with the Ticket to Work program for support.
- Keep records of work hours, earnings, and expenses.
- Stay informed on SGA limits. The Social Security Administration offers several resources online.
- Communicate with the SSA. Contact them as soon as possible when your work status changes.
- Consider a benefits counselor or disability lawyer.
These programs support work efforts without immediately jeopardizing benefits. Careful planning allows exploring employment while keeping support.
FAQs about will I lose my disability if I work part-time
How many hours can you work and still get disability?
There’s no strict hour limit. The SSA focuses on earnings. For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). For SSI, income may reduce benefits, but you might still receive some.
How can I work without losing my disability benefits?
Stay informed about earnings limits, participate in programs like Ticket to Work, and report all activity. Keep earnings below the SGA limit.
Will my disability decrease if I work?
For SSDI, benefits won’t decrease if below the SGA limit. For SSI, benefits may decrease as income increases, but some benefits might continue. Contacting the Social Security Administration to ask any questions you may have.
How much can I work and not lose my SSDI?
In 2025, earning up to $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) won’t cause loss of benefits. During the Trial Work Period, higher earnings are allowed. After, exceeding the SGA limit may cause loss of benefits.
Conclusion
The answer to “Will I lose my disability if I work part-time?” is complex. It’s possible to work without an immediate loss, but understand the rules. It is important to know the reporting requirements for your benefits.
Use work incentive programs, stay informed on limits, and communicate with the SSA. This allows exploring employment while keeping support. The goal is to encourage work without risking benefits.
Always consult a benefits counselor or disability attorney for personalized advice. With the right approach, you can make informed decisions aligning with your financial needs and career goals.
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The information provided in this blog article is intended to be general in nature and should not be construed as legal advice. Social Security laws and regulations are subject to, and often change. Please consult the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website or contact SSLG for advice regarding your specific legal matters.