Living with a disability can bring financial uncertainty, especially when you’re unsure if you can continue to work and still receive disability benefits. At Talbot & Kesling Law, we know that people want to remain independent and productive while also protecting the benefits they worked so hard to secure. One of the most common questions we hear as Tacoma disability attorneys is: Can you work while on Disability?
The answer is yes—in certain circumstances. The rules can be complex, and they differ depending on whether you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
This guide will help explain what you need to know about working while on disability, with a focus on SSDI, so you can make informed decisions for your future.
Table of Contents
Understanding SSDI and SSI
Before diving into work rules, it’s important to understand the difference between SSDI and SSI:
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Benefits are based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid. SSDI is the program most people think of when discussing disability benefits.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Benefits are need-based, for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Both programs have different rules about employment, but SSDI recipients tend to have more flexibility when it comes to testing their ability to work.
Can You Work on SSDI?
Part of SSDI eligibility hinges on “Substantial Gainful Activity,” or SGA, which is how the Social Security Administration (SSA) measures whether you can financially support yourself with your disability. Essentially, if you make less than the SGA limits, you can still work while receiving disability benefits.
So, can you work on SSDI? The short answer: yes, but with limits. The SSA understands that people may want to try working again without immediately losing their benefits. To support this, SSA has created specific programs, such as the Trial Work Period and the Extended Period of Eligibility, to allow people to return to work safely.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
The Trial Work Period is a safety net for SSDI recipients. During this time, you can test your ability to work for at least nine months within a rolling 60-month period. No matter how much you earn during these nine months, you’ll still receive your full SSDI benefits as long as you continue to meet the medical eligibility requirements.
In 2025, any month you earn more than $1,160 (before taxes) counts as a trial work month. There isn’t a limit on how much you can earn during this trial, even if you exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) measurement.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After the trial period ends, you’ll enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (36 months). During this time, you will receive SSDI benefits in any month your earnings fall below SGA levels.
For 2025, the SGA amount is $1,620 per month for most individuals and $2,700 for people who are blind. If you earn more than this amount, you generally will not receive SSDI benefits that month. If you earn less, your benefits continue.
Expedited Reinstatement
If you lose your benefits because you’ve earned above the SGA limit but later need to stop working, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement within five years without starting a new application. This provision gives many people peace of mind when attempting to return to work.
What About SSI and Working?
The rules for SSI are different. Because SSI is based on financial need, any income you earn will affect your benefit amount. However, not every dollar counts against you. The SSA offers work incentives to help people with disabilities pursue employment opportunities. Typically, the first $65 of monthly earnings does not reduce your SSI payment, and only half of the remainder is counted.
For example, if you earn $500 in a month, only $217.50 would count against your SSI benefits after exclusions.
How Many Hours Can I Work on Disability Benefits?
This is a common question, but the SSA doesn’t limit benefits based on hours worked—it’s about earnings. Whether you work 10 hours a week or 40, what matters is whether your income crosses the monthly SGA threshold.
That’s why the more accurate question is not “How many hours can I work on Disability?” but rather, “How much can I earn while still keeping my benefits?”
What Are the Rules for Working While on SSDI?
To recap:
- You can test your ability to work during a Trial Work Period without losing benefits.
- Afterward, during the Extended Period of Eligibility, benefits continue in months where your earnings stay below SGA levels.
- If you lose benefits due to work but later need them again, Expedited Reinstatement may help.
- Earnings matter more than hours worked.
Navigating these rules can feel overwhelming, which is why working with a knowledgeable Tacoma disability attorney can make all the difference.
Staying Safe While Trying to Work
It’s natural to feel nervous about returning to work while on disability. Many people worry they might make a mistake and lose their benefits permanently. Unfortunately, SSA rules can be confusing, and even small errors in reporting income could jeopardize your benefits.
At Talbot & Kesling Law, we guide clients through these difficult decisions. We help explain your options clearly and ensure your rights are protected. Whether you’re still in the SSDI application process or already have benefits and are trying to return to work without losing vital income, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why Work with a Tacoma Social Security Lawyer?
If you’re receiving disability benefits—or applying for them—understanding your rights is critical. An experienced Tacoma social security lawyer can help you:
- Understand exactly how working will affect your benefits.
- Ensure income is reported properly to avoid penalties.
- Explore options like Trial Work Periods or Expedited Reinstatement.
- File appeals if SSA makes an error about your eligibility.
At Talbot & Kesling Law, we’ve helped countless people in Tacoma and across Washington navigate the disability system. We believe that disability benefits are not just about money—they’re about stability, independence, and dignity.
Talk to a Tacoma Disability Attorney Today
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can I work while on disability?” you’re not alone. The rules are complicated, but you don’t have to figure them out by yourself. Whether you’re applying for SSDI, already receiving benefits, or considering returning to work, Talbot & Kesling Law can help.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a compassionate Tacoma disability attorney who will advocate for you and guide you toward the best path forward.