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CAN YOU WORK WHILE ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSDI)?

I am often asked, "Can I work at all while I'm getting Social Security disability benefits?"

I wanted to see what information is out there, so I searched the question on the internet and got all kinds of right, wrong, partially right and mostly confusing answers.

So here:  let me give you the straight facts about working while you receive Social Security disability or SSDI.  To clarify, this information does NOT apply to Supplemental Security Income or SSI, which is going to have different rules about income.

Social Security uses a term we must understand.  The term is "Substantial Gainful Activity" or SGA.  That refers to an amount of earnings (from work) that will disqualify you for disability benefits.  

SGA in 2024 is earning wages or self-employment income of at least $1,550 per month (gross, before tax).  If you earn that amount, you are working at SGA in Social Security's judgment and are not eligible for SSDI benefits.

Notice I said "in 2024...."  Social Security makes minor adjustments each year to compensate for inflation.  Social Security usually makes annual changes to SGA based on the national average wage index.

SOME OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT SGA

1.  What happens if I go over the SGA limit by just a few dollars?  Answer:  You will lose your SSI benefits.  The SGA number is definite and it's not flexible.  If you reach earnings of $1,550 per month, you will lose your benefits.  

2.  What if I stay below the SGA limit most of the year but go over just one month out of the year?  Answer:  There is a good chance Social Security will terminate your benefits.

3.  What if I can't live on my SSDI benefit alone and I have to work?  It doesn't matter.  There are no exceptions to the rule.

4.  Is the SGA level higher for a person who has statutory blindness?  Yes, the SGA amount for the blind is $2,590 per month but you must meet the blindness requirement as determined by Social Security.

5.  Will Social Security find out if I'm working?  Yes, they most certainly will.  They may not find out immediately but they will find out.

6.  What happens if I work above the SGA limit for a while before Social Security catches me?  Answer:  All the benefits you received while working above the SGA limit are considered over-payments.  The money must be returned to Social Security.

7.  What if it isn't my fault that Social Security over paid me?  Answer:  It makes no difference whose fault it was.  Over-payments must be returned.

8.  Can working, even under the SGA limit, endanger my SSDI benefit?  Answer:  Yes, it's possible.  When you have a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), Social Security may consider your part-time work as evidence that you are not disabled.  This is more likely the closer your earnings are to the SGA limit.  For example, an individual earning $700 per month is safer than someone who earns $1,475 per month. 

9.  Does the "substantial gainful activity" rule apply to a spouse or other adult living in my household?  NO.  It applies only to the individual who is receiving SSDI benefits.

 

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