Many people on disability benefits want to work—at least part-time. The good news: both SSI and SSDI have programs that let you try working without immediately losing benefits. Here's how it works.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Working while on SSDI
- Working while on SSI
- Work incentive programs
- How to report earnings
1. Working While on SSDI
The basic rule:
- You can work, but there are limits
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,550/month (2026)
- Earning over SGA for extended periods affects benefits
- But there are trial periods and protections
Trial Work Period (TWP):
- Test your ability to work for 9 months
- Keep full SSDI during this period
- Months don't have to be consecutive
- Earn any amount without losing benefits
- 2026 TWP threshold: $1,110/month
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):
- 36 months after TWP ends
- Benefits paid for months under SGA
- Benefits suspended (not terminated) for months over SGA
- Easy reinstatement if work stops
Expedited Reinstatement:
- If benefits stop due to work
- Can request reinstatement within 5 years
- Get temporary benefits while SSA reviews
- Don't have to start over
2. Working While on SSI
How earnings affect SSI:
- SSI is reduced by income, not eliminated
- Only about half your earnings count
- First $65 of earned income excluded
- Then SSI reduced $1 for every $2 earned
The math:
- You earn $500/month
- Minus $65 exclusion = $435
- Divide by 2 = $217.50 counted
- SSI reduced by $217.50
- You still come out ahead
Student Earned Income Exclusion:
- If under 22 and regularly attending school
- Exclude up to $2,290/month (2026)
- Up to $9,230 per year
- Keep more of your SSI while working
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS):
- Set aside income/resources for work goal
- Money in PASS doesn't count for SSI
- Use for training, equipment, starting business
- Must have SSA-approved plan
3. Work Incentive Programs
For SSDI recipients:
- Ticket to Work: Free job training and support
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Deduct disability-related work costs
- Subsidies and special conditions: May reduce countable earnings
- Unsuccessful work attempt: Short work periods may not count
For SSI recipients:
- PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)
- IRWE deductions
- Blind Work Expenses (if visually impaired)
- Property Essential to Self-Support
Both programs:
- Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Free counseling
- Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)
- State vocational rehabilitation services
Important: Before starting work, contact your local WIPA office for free, personalized advice.
4. How to Report Earnings
What to report:
- When you start working
- Your employer's information
- How much you earn
- Any changes in work status
How to report:
- Online: my Social Security account
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- In person: Local Social Security office
- Mail: Written statement
When to report:
- Within 10 days of starting work (SSI)
- Promptly for any changes (both programs)
- Don't wait—late reporting causes overpayments
Keep records:
- Pay stubs
- Work schedules
- Any disability-related work expenses
- Communication with SSA
How Purple Helps
- Track your earnings alongside benefits
- Monitor SSI resource limits
- Keep clear financial records
- Early access to your deposits
- Easy transaction history for reporting