Many people on disability want to work—even if just part-time. The good news is that both SSI and SSDI allow some work, but the rules are different for each program.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How SSI treats part-time work
- How SSDI treats part-time work
- Key income limits to know
- Work incentives that help you keep benefits
- How to report income correctly
1. How SSI Treats Part-Time Work
SSI is a needs-based program, so your income directly affects your benefit amount. But SSA doesn't count every dollar you earn.
How SSI counts earned income:
- SSA ignores the first $65 of monthly earnings
- SSA ignores the first $20 of any income (if not already used)
- After exclusions, SSA counts half of remaining earnings
Example: If you earn $500/month:
- Subtract $65 = $435
- Subtract $20 = $415
- Divide by 2 = $207.50 countable income
- Your SSI is reduced by $207.50 (not $500)
Important: Even with reduced SSI, working often means more total income. Plus, you may keep Medicaid through Section 1619(b) even if SSI reaches $0.
2. How SSDI Treats Part-Time Work
SSDI uses a different approach based on "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA).
2026 SGA limit: $1,550/month (or $2,590 if blind)
How it works:
- Earn under SGA: Benefits continue normally
- Earn over SGA: Benefits may stop after Trial Work Period
Trial Work Period (TWP):
- You get 9 months (within 60 months) to test your ability to work
- During TWP, you keep full benefits regardless of earnings
- TWP month in 2026: Any month you earn over $1,110
3. Key Income Limits to Know
| Program | Key Limit | What Happens | |---------|-----------|--------------| | SSI | $65 + half of remaining | Benefit reduced gradually | | SSDI | $1,550/month (SGA) | Benefits stop if exceeded after TWP | | SSI resource | $2,000 total | Benefits suspended if exceeded |
For SSI recipients:
- No strict earnings cap—benefits phase out gradually
- Resource limit ($2,000) still applies
- Report all income within 10 days
For SSDI recipients:
- Can earn up to SGA ($1,550) indefinitely
- Trial Work Period allows testing higher earnings
- Extended Period of Eligibility provides safety net
4. Work Incentives That Help You Keep Benefits
SSA offers several programs to encourage work:
For SSI:
- PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support): Set aside income for work goals
- IRWE (Impairment-Related Work Expenses): Deduct disability-related work costs
- Student Earned Income Exclusion: Students under 22 can exclude more income
- Section 1619(b): Keep Medicaid even if SSI reaches $0
For SSDI:
- Trial Work Period: 9 months of unlimited earnings
- Extended Period of Eligibility: 36 months of easy reinstatement
- Expedited Reinstatement: Quick restart if benefits stopped
- Ticket to Work: Free employment support services
5. How to Report Income Correctly
Reporting income properly protects you from overpayments:
What to report:
- Gross wages (before taxes)
- Start date of any job
- Hours worked
- Any changes in pay
How to report:
- my Social Security account online
- SSA phone: 1-800-772-1213
- Wage reporting app (for SSI)
- In person at local office
When to report:
- Within 10 days of starting work
- Within 10 days of any pay changes
- Monthly if required by SSA
Important: Not reporting income leads to overpayments. It's always better to report and let SSA calculate the impact.
How Purple Helps
- Track your earnings and deposits
- Monitor your balance for SSI limits
- Keep records for SSA reporting
- Get early access to your benefits