Social Security Disability pays you if you are unable to work due to a qualifying condition. If you can work but cannot work enough, disability may also be applicable. 

Should you work? If you do work, would you lose your benefits?

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if you qualify for disability. It estimates the amount you can earn each month. Then, SSA compares that value to preset figures. 

You must demonstrate that you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you earn more than a certain amount, you do not qualify. 

For 2025, this amount is $2,700 or more per month for a blind person. For a non-blind person, you cannot earn more than $1620 per month.

That means you cannot earn more than this while working and still receive your benefits. You may be able to work if you earn under this figure.

Trial Work Period

SSA will monitor your earnings once you start receiving benefits. You can attempt to start working again through a trial period. 

The SSA wants you to go back to work. For that reason, it has a trial work period. During this time, you can work and still collect benefits.

You automatically trigger this trial work period if you earn more than that limit. That can last for up to 9 months. It does not have to be consecutive. 

For example, one month you earn $1700. The next month, you only earn $1500. This accounts for just 1 month of the trial period.

Extended Period of Eligibility

After those 9 months, an extended period of eligibility (EPE) kicks in. You can work and still get disability. You are not eligible to receive benefits if you earn over the monthly limit.

You may be able to earn more if you have work expenses due to your disability. You can earn as much as those extra expenses. For example, you can work, but you need special transportation. That transportation costs you $500 per month. That means you can earn an extra $500 per month to cover those costs.

Your earnings may also increase if your employer offers a subsidy. This is extra support for you due to your disability. This might include paid break times, for example.

Medicare Coverage During Trial Periods

You get to keep your Medicare coverage during your 9-month trial. Specifically:

• You keep Part A coverage. This is also known as hospital insurance. You do not pay for it. However, you cannot withdraw unless you pay a premium.
• You keep Part B coverage. This is known as medical insurance. You will need to continue paying your premium to maintain Part A.

This continues to apply for the 9-month trial and then for 93 months after. You must pay for Part A and Part B after that period if you still have a disability.

Should You Go Back to Work?

SSA encourages you to work if you can. These programs provide an opportunity to assess your physical capabilities to handle the work. If you are unable to continue working, it will not be held against you.

Returning to work can seem daunting. You may be afraid that earning anything will automatically disqualify you for disability benefits. 

Reporting this income does not disqualify you from benefits. But you must keep your benefits under the monthly amount.

How Does the Ticket to Work Program Work?

The SSA wants to help you return to work. That’s where the Ticket to Work program comes in. This is a career development program for those receiving disability benefits. 

You want to go back to work. However, you do not possess the necessary skills to work. The ticket is free for you. It is also voluntary.  

It can help you with what you need:

• Vocational training
• Help finding a job
• Learn more to earn more

The Ticket to Work program offers resources that can help you return to work. If you’re looking to work, consider exploring these opportunities.

Common Misconceptions about Social Security Disability and Working

Many misconceptions about SSA and disability exist. Here is some clarification on some of those:

MYTH: You Cannot Work at All if You Receive Disability Benefits

You can work up to the SGA limit. Earning more means you may not qualify for disability. Your benefits do not immediately stop. They will continue until you have worked with the SGA for 9 months.

MYTH: You Cannot Work Because You Have No Skills

The Ticket to Work is one way to earn skills. Vocational training could help you become more financially independent.

MYTH: Disability Benefits Remain in Place for the Rest of Your Life

That is not the case. Disability eligibility may change over time. Your health could improve. You may acquire new skills that enable you to work effectively. The SSA will continue to verify eligibility for benefits periodically. This is usually every three to seven years. Changes in your medical condition could mean you no longer qualify.

MYTH You Have to Start Over for Disability Approval if You Are Disqualified

The Expedited Reinstatement process minimizes this risk. For example, you decide to go back to work. You do well for a while. Your disability worsens. You can no longer work. This process helps you return to work quickly after a disability. This can give you the confidence to get back to work.

Working with a Disability Attorney Is Essential

Deciding to return to work is significant. Do not decide without speaking to your Social Security Disability attorney. 

Contact Pond Lehocky Disability to discuss your disability needs with us. Our attorney can provide you with guidance on your rights. There is no risk in speaking to a lawyer, so call today.