If you receive SSI or SSDI and earn any income—whether from a part-time job, self-employment, or even occasional gig work—you're required to report it to Social Security. Failing to report income can lead to overpayments you'll have to pay back, and in serious cases, penalties or loss of benefits. The good news is that reporting income doesn't have to be complicated once you understand the process and why it matters for your specific program.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Why reporting income is different for SSI vs. SSDI
- What types of income you need to report
- How to report income to Social Security
- Deadlines and timing for income reports
- What happens if you don't report or report late
- Work incentives that can protect your benefits while you earn
Why Reporting Matters: SSI vs. SSDI
The rules for reporting income differ significantly between SSI and SSDI because the two programs work differently.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your income and resources each month. When you earn money, your SSI payment is reduced—though not dollar-for-dollar, thanks to certain exclusions. Because SSI adjusts monthly based on your financial situation, timely and accurate income reporting is essential. If you don't report income and Social Security later discovers it, you'll likely face an overpayment that you'll need to repay.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history, not your current financial need. Your spouse's income and your savings don't affect your SSDI payment. However, Social Security does monitor whether you're engaging in "substantial gainful activity" (SGA)—earning above a certain threshold that suggests you might be able to work full-time. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities (or $2,700 for blind individuals). Earning above SGA for extended periods can eventually affect your SSDI eligibility, so reporting your work activity is still important.
What Income Do You Need to Report?
For SSI recipients, you must report virtually all income, including wages from employment (before taxes), net earnings from self-employment, cash gifts or contributions from others, in-kind support (like someone paying your rent or giving you food), unemployment benefits, worker's compensation, pensions and annuities, and any other money you receive.
You also need to report changes in your living situation, resources (like opening a new bank account or receiving an inheritance), and other factors that could affect your benefits.
For SSDI recipients, you primarily need to report work activity. This includes starting or stopping a job, changes in your job duties or hours, self-employment income, and any work activity even if it's unpaid (like volunteering that could indicate ability to work). You don't need to report unearned income like investment returns or your spouse's wages—these don't affect SSDI.
How to Report Income to Social Security
There are several ways to report income, and the best method depends on your situation and preferences.
My Social Security online account is often the most convenient option. You can log in at ssa.gov, navigate to your benefits information, and report wages or changes. For SSI recipients, the SSI Telephone Wage Reporting system and SSI Mobile Wage Reporting app make monthly wage reporting straightforward.
By phone you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report income or changes. Wait times can be long, so try calling early in the morning or later in the week.
In person at your local Social Security office is another option. This can be helpful if your situation is complicated or you have questions. Consider making an appointment to avoid long waits.
By mail you can send written notice of income or changes to your local Social Security office. Include your name, Social Security number, and details about the income or change. Keep a copy for your records, and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof it was received.
SSI Mobile Wage Reporting app is specifically designed for SSI recipients who work. You can quickly report your monthly wages through the app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Deadlines and Timing
For SSI, you should report income within 10 days after the end of the month in which you received it. For example, if you receive wages in March, report them by April 10. If you're using the SSI Telephone Wage Reporting system or mobile app, you can report wages from the 1st through the 6th of the following month.
Reporting promptly helps ensure your SSI payment is adjusted correctly. If you report late, Social Security may not be able to adjust your next payment in time, leading to an overpayment you'll have to repay later.
For SSDI, there's no specific monthly deadline, but you should report work activity as soon as possible—ideally before you start a new job or within a few days of beginning work. Prompt reporting protects you by ensuring Social Security can properly apply work incentives like the Trial Work Period.
Report changes in your situation (like moving, getting married, or changes in living arrangements) within 10 days of the change for SSI. For SSDI, report significant changes promptly, though the timeline is less strict for non-work-related changes.
What Happens If You Don't Report
Failing to report income can have serious consequences.
Overpayments are the most common result. If Social Security pays you more than you were entitled to receive because you didn't report income, you'll have to pay back the difference. Social Security can withhold a portion of your future benefits until the overpayment is recovered, which can significantly reduce your monthly income for months or years.
Penalties may apply for SSI recipients who knowingly fail to report income or changes. The first offense can result in a $25 reduction in benefits for six months. The second offense means $50 per month for six months, and the third offense is $100 per month for six months.
Fraud charges are possible in serious cases where someone intentionally conceals income to receive benefits they're not entitled to. This can result in fines, repayment of all fraudulently received benefits, and even criminal prosecution.
Loss of benefits can occur if unreported income shows you've been ineligible for benefits. For SSDI, working above SGA without reporting could mean losing your benefits entirely once Social Security catches up.
The bottom line: always report, even if you're not sure whether something counts as income. It's better to over-report than to face an overpayment later.
Work Incentives That Protect Your Benefits
Both SSI and SSDI have work incentives designed to help you try working without immediately losing all your benefits.
For SSI, the most important work incentive is the earned income exclusion. Social Security doesn't count the first $65 of earned income, plus half of everything above that. So if you earn $500 in a month, only $217.50 counts against your SSI benefit ($994 maximum in 2026). Other SSI work incentives include Student Earned Income Exclusion (for students under 22), Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).
For SSDI, the Trial Work Period lets you test your ability to work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period while receiving full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much you earn. In 2025, a trial work month is any month you earn more than $1,160. After your Trial Work Period, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility, during which you can still receive benefits in months your earnings fall below SGA.
Understanding these work incentives can help you earn money while protecting your benefits—but they only work if you report your income so Social Security can apply them correctly.
Tips for Staying on Top of Reporting
Keep pay stubs and records of all income you receive. Set a monthly reminder to report wages if you work regularly. Use the SSI Mobile Wage Reporting app if you receive SSI—it takes just a few minutes. Save copies of everything you submit to Social Security. When in doubt, report it—Social Security will determine whether it affects your benefits. Consider working with a Benefits Counselor, especially if you're starting a new job. Many states offer free Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) services.
Staying compliant with Social Security's reporting requirements is easier when you can see your full financial picture. Purple's checking account is designed for people on SSI and SSDI, helping you track your income and spending so you always know where you stand.