Understanding SSDI and Work Rules

SSDI is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medical disability. However, the SSA does encourage people who can work a little to try — especially if they might eventually return to full-time employment.

You are allowed to work part-time while on SSDI, as long as your earnings stay below the SSA’s defined SGA limit. This limit changes annually and determines how much income you can earn before your disability benefits are affected.

What Counts as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses the concept of substantial gainful activity to decide whether your work shows that you are capable of supporting yourself.

For 2025, the SGA income limit is approximately $1,550 per month for most disabled workers and $2,590 per month for those who are blind. If you earn more than these amounts from work, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and could stop your benefits.

In Illinois, the same federal rules apply, regardless of where you live or work. However, the SSA carefully reviews not just how much you earn, but also the nature of your work. If your part-time job involves tasks that demonstrate you can perform substantial work, it could impact your eligibility even if your income is below the SGA limit.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work without immediately losing their benefits. During this period, you can work and earn any amount for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period.

Here’s how it works:

• Each month you earn more than the SSA’s set “trial work” amount counts as one trial month.
• In 2025, this threshold is around $1,110 per month.
• You can use your nine trial months consecutively or spread them out over several years.

During your trial period, you continue to receive your full SSDI payments, no matter how much you earn. This gives you the chance to explore whether part-time or even full-time work is realistic without risking your benefits right away.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing your nine-month trial work period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time:

• You can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
• If you exceed the limit, your benefits are paused, not permanently terminated.
• If your income later drops again, your benefits can restart automatically without a new application.

This system gives Illinois workers flexibility and reassurance as they try to balance work and disability benefits.

Reporting Your Work Activity to the SSA

It’s essential to report all work activity to the SSA as soon as it begins. Failure to do so can lead to overpayments, which the SSA may later require you to repay.

When reporting, you’ll need to provide details such as:

• The type of work you’re doing
• The number of hours you work each week
• Your gross monthly earnings before taxes
• Any special accommodations your employer provides because of your disability

Being transparent helps you stay in compliance and avoid issues with your benefits later.

How Working Part-Time Can Help

Working part-time while on SSDI can have several advantages:

• It can supplement your income without exceeding the SSA’s earnings limit.
• It allows you to stay active and maintain job skills.
• It can help you transition back to full-time work if your condition improves.
• It may improve your mental and physical well-being by keeping you engaged.

However, it’s important to pace yourself and avoid taking on work that worsens your medical condition or exceeds the SSA’s activity thresholds.

When Part-Time Work Could Affect Your SSDI

Even if your income is under the SGA limit, certain types of part-time work can raise red flags. For example:

• Physically demanding work might suggest your condition has improved.
• Self-employment can be closely scrutinized since your actual work effort may not match your reported income.
• Inconsistent earnings might cause the SSA to review your case more frequently.

If you plan to start part-time work, consider speaking with a disability professional or attorney before you begin, to ensure your work plans won’t jeopardize your benefits.