1. How SSDI and Work Restrictions Impact Eligibility in North Carolina

SSDI eligibility in North Carolina is affected by both your disability status and your ability to work. Understanding how work restrictions apply is essential in determining if you qualify for benefits

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Here’s what affects SSDI eligibility in North Carolina:

• You must have a severe disability that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Your disability must have lasted (or be expected to last) for at least 12 months or result in death.
• The SSA will assess your work history and determine if your disability affects your ability to work and earn income above a specific threshold.
• Work restrictions limit your eligibility for SSDI if you're capable of engaging in some form of work despite your disability.

2. How Work Restrictions Are Evaluated

The SSA examines your ability to work when considering SSDI eligibility. Key points include:

• Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is the primary benchmark to determine if you're working too much to qualify.
• The SSA considers whether you can earn over the monthly income limit, which is $1,470 for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals in 2025.
• If you can work but are earning below these limits, you may still qualify for SSDI benefits.

3. How SSDI Payments Are Affected by Work Restrictions

SSDI payments can be impacted by your ability to work. Important points include:

• Reduced benefits might apply if you are engaged in part-time work or make income above the allowed threshold.
• Once you are able to work and earn consistently above the SGA limit, the SSA may terminate your SSDI benefits.
• However, trial work periods allow recipients to test their ability to work without losing benefits immediately.

4. Impact of Work Restrictions on SSDI Eligibility Reviews

The SSA periodically reviews SSDI cases to determine if you still meet the work restrictions. Consider the following:

• If your ability to work improves, the SSA may conduct a continuing disability review (CDR).
• During this review, the SSA will assess whether you still meet the work restrictions for SSDI.
• If you can work at SGA levels, your SSDI eligibility may be suspended or terminated.

5. How to Maintain SSDI Eligibility with Work Restrictions

To avoid losing SSDI benefits due to work restrictions, follow these steps:

• Ensure that your income remains below the SGA threshold unless you're in a trial work period.
• Keep the SSA updated on your employment status and any changes to your work capacity.
• Be aware of your rights under the Ticket to Work program, which allows individuals to work without immediate risk to SSDI eligibility.