Gig work offers flexibility that can be ideal for people with disabilities. But it also creates unique challenges for benefit compliance. Here's what you need to know.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How gig income affects benefits
- Reporting gig earnings
- Tracking variable income
- Strategies for success
1. How Gig Income Affects Benefits
SSI and gig work:
- Income reduces benefits
- First $65 + $20 excluded
- Then $1 for every $2 earned
- Variable income complicates
SSDI and gig work:
- SGA limit applies ($1,620/month in 2026)
- Trial work period available
- Extended eligibility
- More straightforward than SSI
Self-employment differences:
- Net income matters, not gross
- Business expenses deductible
- IWE expenses can help
- More complex reporting
Key considerations:
- Variable monthly income
- Quarterly vs monthly reporting
- Tax implications
- Record keeping essential
Important: Gig work is self-employment income. SSA has specific rules for how self-employment is counted, which differs from regular wages.
2. Reporting Gig Earnings
What to report:
- All income received
- Gross earnings
- Work expenses
- Changes in work
When to report:
- Monthly for SSI
- Promptly for SSDI
- Even small amounts
- Even irregular work
How gig income is calculated:
- Gross receipts
- Minus business expenses
- Net earnings matter
- Not just what you keep
Documenting expenses:
- Mileage for delivery/rideshare
- Phone and data costs
- Equipment and supplies
- Platform fees
3. Tracking Variable Income
Challenges of gig work:
- Income varies week to week
- Hard to predict monthly totals
- Multiple platforms common
- Difficult to report accurately
Keeping records:
- Track every gig
- Record all payments
- Note dates received
- Calculate expenses
Tools for tracking:
- Spreadsheets
- Mileage apps
- Banking records
- Platform reports
Monthly summaries:
- Total gross income
- Business expenses
- Net earnings
- Ready for SSA
4. Strategies for Success
Managing SSI with gig work:
- Know your break-even point
- Track in real time
- Report accurately
- Use ABLE account for savings
Using work incentives:
- IRWE reduces countable income
- PASS can shelter earnings
- Student exclusion if applicable
- Blind work expenses
Avoiding overpayments:
- Track income carefully
- Report monthly
- Keep reserves
- Document everything
Tax considerations:
- Set aside for taxes
- Quarterly estimated payments
- Track deductible expenses
- Keep all receipts
Common Gig Work and Benefits
Rideshare driving:
- Flexibility helps
- Mileage deductible
- Vehicle expenses
- Tips count as income
Delivery services:
- Choose your hours
- Active vs wait time
- Mileage and expenses
- Multiple apps possible
Freelance/creative:
- Variable projects
- Invoice timing matters
- Equipment expenses
- Portfolio building
Online tasks:
- Flexible timing
- Lower physical demands
- Often small amounts
- Easy to track
How Purple Helps
Purple supports gig workers on benefits:
- Track income in real time
- Categorize earnings
- Monitor benefit impacts
- Easy record keeping
- Early access to benefits