Understanding Work Rules for SSI and SSDI in 2025
Introduction: Can You Work While Receiving Disability Benefits?
Many people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) wonder if they can work without losing their benefits. The short answer is yes—but there are strict income limits and work incentives you need to understand.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How much you can earn while on SSI or SSDI
✅ The trial work period and income limits
✅ How working affects your disability payments
✅ How Purple helps track income to avoid losing benefits
Let’s break it all down.
Can You Work While Receiving SSI or SSDI?
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but how much you can earn depends on whether you receive SSI or SSDI.
How Work Affects SSI Benefits
SSI is needs-based, meaning any income you earn reduces your monthly check.
The 2025 SSI income limit is $943/month for individuals.
The SSA excludes the first $85 of earned income. After that, every $2 you earn reduces your SSI by $1.
💡 Example: If you earn $1,085 per month, SSA subtracts the first $85, leaving $1,000. Your SSI is reduced by $500 ($1,000 ÷ 2).
How Work Affects SSDI Benefits
SSDI is based on your work history, so income limits are different.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550/month (or $2,590 for blind individuals).
If you earn more than this limit, you could lose your SSDI benefits—unless you qualify for work incentives.
💡 Example: If you earn $1,600/month, you may be considered capable of "substantial work" and could lose SSDI.
What Is the Trial Work Period?
For SSDI recipients, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows you to test working without immediately losing benefits.
How It Works:
✅ You can work for 9 months (within 5 years) and still receive full SSDI payments.
✅ A trial work month is any month you earn over $1,110 (2025 limit).
✅ After 9 months, you enter a 36-month "Extended Period of Eligibility."
💡 If your earnings fall below SGA ($1,550/month), you can still receive SSDI benefits.
How Purple Helps You Track Work & Benefits
If you’re working while receiving SSI or SSDI, it’s critical to track your income so you don’t accidentally lose benefits. Purple makes it easy to:
💜 Monitor Your Earnings to stay under SGA limits
💜 Get Alerts when your income is close to impacting benefits
💜 Track Deposits from SSI, SSDI, and wages in one place
💜 Plan Ahead so you can work while keeping financial security
Purple helps you stay compliant with SSA rules while working toward greater independence.
FAQs About Working While on Disability
Can I Work Part-Time on SSDI?
Yes! As long as you earn less than $1,550/month (2025 limit), you can still receive SSDI.
What If My Earnings Fluctuate?
If you temporarily exceed the SGA limit, SSA may pause benefits but not cancel them immediately.
Will I Lose Medicaid If I Start Working?
Not necessarily! Many states have Medicaid Work Incentive programs that allow you to keep Medicaid while earning more.
Can I Get My SSDI Back If I Stop Working?
Yes! If you lose SSDI due to work income, you have 5 years to request “Expedited Reinstatement” without reapplying.
Conclusion: You Can Work While on Disability—If You Plan Smart
Earning income while receiving SSI or SSDI is possible, but you need to understand the income limits and track your earnings carefully.
With work incentives, trial work periods, and tools like Purple, you can work without jeopardizing your benefits.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Track Your Benefits & Earnings!