Many people receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits wonder if they can work part-time without losing their payments. You may want to earn some extra income or stay active, but it’s important to understand how your earnings can affect your benefits.
Understanding the income limits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to work part-time while receiving SSD benefits, but your income must stay below a certain amount called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for people who are blind. If your monthly earnings go above these limits, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled under its rules. Staying below these thresholds helps you maintain your benefits while supplementing your income.
How the trial work period works
The SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) so you can test your ability to work without losing your benefits right away. The TWP lasts for nine months within a rolling 60-month window. In 2025, any month you earn $1,160 or more counts as a trial work month. During this period, you continue to receive full SSD benefits, no matter how much you earn, as long as you report your work and your medical condition doesn’t improve.
What happens after the trial work period
After your nine trial work months, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, you can still receive benefits for any month your income is at or below the SGA limit. If your earnings rise above SGA, your benefits may stop, but they can restart automatically if your income drops below the limit again within that 36-month period.
Knowing these rules helps you make smart choices about working part-time while receiving SSD benefits. Keep detailed records of your income and report your work activity to the SSA to avoid benefit overpayments or delays. Understanding how the TWP and EPE work allows you to balance earning income with keeping your disability benefits.