How Do I Report a Change in Income to SSA?

Stay compliant with SSI or SSDI and avoid overpayments

Introduction: Reporting Income Is Key to Keeping Your Benefits

If you’re receiving SSI or SSDI and your income changes—even a little—you’re required to let the Social Security Administration (SSA) know.

But many people ask:

💼 “How do I report a job or raise to SSA?”

📅 “When do I have to report income?”

⚠️ “What happens if I forget?”

The short answer is:

✅ You must report any change in income to SSA as soon as possible.

⚠️ Failing to report on time could result in overpayments, benefit reductions, or even a loss of eligibility.

This guide breaks down:

✅ What types of income need to be reported

✅ How and when to report

✅ What to expect after reporting

✅ How Purple helps you stay ahead of the rules

1. What Income Changes Need to Be Reported?

SSA requires you to report any change in earned or unearned income that could affect your benefit amount.

✅ Report the following:

A new job (even part-time or short-term)
Changes to your wages or hours
Self-employment or freelance income
Gig work (DoorDash, Uber, etc.)
Bonuses or tips
Unemployment benefits
Cash gifts or family support (for SSI)
Changes in your spouse’s or child’s income (if relevant)

📌 If you’re unsure whether something counts, it’s better to report it.

2. How Reporting Works for SSI vs. SSDI

⚠️ SSI Reporting Rules:

Report earned income by the 6th of the following month
SSA will reduce your payment by $1 for every $2 you earn (after a $65 exclusion)
You must also stay under the $2,000 resource limit

⚠️ SSDI Reporting Rules:

Report income as soon as you start working or your wages change
SSDI is based on your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
In 2025, the monthly SGA limit is:
- $1,620/month (non-blind)
- $2,700/month (blind)

3. How to Report Income to SSA

You can report income through several channels, depending on your benefit type:

📱 1. SSA Mobile Wage Reporting App (for SSI only)

Download for iOS or Android
Upload pay stubs directly from your phone
Quick and easy confirmation

🌐 2. My Social Security Account

ssa.gov/myaccount
Track benefits and report changes online (some SSDI users)

☎️ 3. Call SSA

National line: 1-800-772-1213
Local SSA office: Use SSA Office Locator

✉️ 4. Mail or In-Person

Send copies of pay stubs or other income verification
Include your name, SSN, and contact info
Get a receipt if you deliver in person

4. What Happens After You Report

SSA may:

Adjust your monthly check (especially for SSI)
Send a letter confirming the change
Request more documentation
Flag your account for a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) if you're earning near the SGA limit (for SSDI)

📌 Keep copies of all your pay stubs and any communication with SSA in case they ask for proof later.

5. What Happens If You Don’t Report Income?

⚠️ You could be overpaid

SSA may continue sending your full benefit, even though you’re technically eligible for less.

⚠️ You may owe money back

Overpayments must be repaid—and they can be thousands of dollars.

⚠️ You could lose benefits

Repeated non-reporting or excess income may lead to suspension or termination of your SSI or SSDI.

6. How Purple Helps You Track Income and Report Accurately

💜 Tag Your DepositsEasily identify work income vs. benefit payments

💜 Track Monthly EarningsSee how close you are to SSI or SSDI limits in real time

💜 Get Smart AlertsGet notified when your income is approaching reporting thresholds

💜 Store Pay Stubs and NoticesUpload and organize documents in one secure place for SSA reviews

💜 Ask the Companion AI“How much can I earn this month?” or “Should I report this bonus?”

FAQs About Reporting to SSA

⚠️ What if I forget to report one paycheck?

Report it as soon as you remember. SSA may adjust your benefit or request a pay stub.

⚠️ Do I need to report income from gig work or side jobs?

Yes—all earned income must be reported, regardless of the source.

⚠️ Does SSA talk to the IRS?

Yes—SSA may match earnings with tax records, so underreporting can be discovered later.

⚠️ Can Purple report income for me?

Not yet—but Purple helps you track and tag your income, making reporting to SSA much easier and more accurate.

Conclusion: Reporting Income Keeps Your Benefits Safe

✅ Whether you’re on SSI or SSDI, reporting is mandatory

✅ Use SSA’s app, online tools, or call to report income changes

✅ Purple helps you stay organized, track your income, and avoid overpayments

💜 Join Purple today and get the tools you need to work confidently while protecting your benefits.