Understanding SSDI Work Rules

The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition that prevents you from working full-time. This means that if you earn above a certain income threshold, the SSA may determine that you’re no longer disabled.

For 2025, the SGA limit is approximately $1,550 per month for most individuals and $2,590 per month for those who are blind. If your gross monthly earnings exceed these limits, you risk losing your SSDI benefits.

However, if you work part-time and earn below the SGA amount, you can generally continue receiving your benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The SSA allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to return to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP). This period gives you the opportunity to work and earn income without immediately losing your benefits.

Here’s how it works:

• You can work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a five-year period while still receiving full SSDI benefits.
• Any month in which you earn over $1,110 (in 2025) counts as a trial work month.
• During this time, you can earn as much as you want — even above the SGA limit — and still receive your full SSDI check.

Once your nine TWP months are used, the SSA evaluates your earnings to decide if your disability still qualifies for benefits.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After your trial work period ends, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts 36 months.

During this time:

• You’ll receive your SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
• If you exceed the SGA amount, your benefits may stop for that month.
• If your earnings later drop again below SGA, your benefits can be reinstated automatically without reapplying.

This system encourages individuals to try working again without fear of permanently losing their benefits right away.

Special Work Programs and Exceptions

The SSA also offers several programs to help you work while managing your disability:

1. Ticket to Work Program

This voluntary program provides free employment services, vocational training, and job placement support to SSDI recipients who want to return to the workforce. It helps you build skills and gradually transition into employment without jeopardizing your benefits immediately.

2. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)

If you need special equipment, therapy, or transportation related to your disability to work, those costs can be deducted from your earnings when determining your SGA. This may allow you to stay below the income limit while maintaining part-time work.

Important Considerations Before Working

If you’re considering part-time work while on SSDI in North Carolina, keep these key points in mind:

• Always report your earnings to the SSA to avoid overpayments or benefit suspension.
• Keep track of your work months during your TWP and EPE.
• Consult with your doctor before returning to work to ensure you can safely perform your duties.
• If your health worsens, you may still qualify for continued benefits even if you briefly returned to work.