By Alden Tony
Are you thinking about filing for Social Security Disability benefits? If you are, understanding the income limits and exceptions under the Social Security Administration (SSA) rules is essential to making informed decisions about work opportunities. Law Firm has years of successful experience helping individuals manage their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims while exploring legal ways to increase their income.
Income Limits for Eligibility to Receive Social Security Disability
The SSA determines whether your income exceeds the eligibility threshold by comparing it to the income the government deems to be Substantial Gainful Activities (SGA). If you earn more countable income than the SGA, then you may not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
For 2024, the SGA limits are:
- $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals.
- $2,590 per month for blind individuals.
These thresholds increased slightly in 2025 to:
- $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
- $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
Earning above these amounts may lead the SSA to conclude that you are capable of substantial work, potentially jeopardizing your benefits. The Law Firm understands the nuances of these rules and can help you assess whether your income may affect your eligibility.
Exclusions and Deductions from Countable Income
Not all income counts toward the SGA limit. The SSA allows specific deductions, giving you some flexibility to work while keeping your benefits intact.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): Out-of-pocket costs related to your disability, such as specialized equipment, therapy, or transportation, can be deducted. For example, if you earn $1,600 per month but spend $200 on disability-related expenses, your countable income drops to $1,400—below the 2024 limit for non-blind individuals.
- Subsidized Employment: If your employer provides accommodations or pays more than the value of your work due to your disability, the SSA may reduce your countable earnings. This adjustment can make it easier to remain under the SGA limit.
At The Law Firm, we have extensive experience advising clients on how to maximize these deductions and exclusions, helping them remain compliant with SSA rules while exploring work options.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
The SSA encourages SSDI benefits recipients to test their ability to return to work without immediately losing benefits through a Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to work for nine months within a rolling 60-month window, regardless of how much you earn. The nine months do not need to be consecutive. You can spread them out over five years.
In 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 counts as a TWP month. For 2025, that amount rises to $1,160. During these months, your full benefits continue, giving you the opportunity to evaluate whether returning to work is sustainable.
After completing the TWP, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), a 36-month phase where earnings are monitored. The Law Firm can help you plan this transition, ensuring you remain eligible for disability benefits while determining your capacity to work.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
The EPE provides additional support after your TWP ends. During this period:
- Earnings below the SGA limit allow you to keep receiving benefits.
- Earnings above the limit may result in benefits being suspended for that month, but payments can restart if earnings fall below the limit again.
For instance, if you earn $1,800 in one month and $1,200 the next, benefits may pause temporarily and then resume without requiring a new application.
The Law Firm is available to guide you through these different phases, telling you about strategies to protect your benefits while exploring work opportunities.
Additional Work Incentives and Safety Nets
The also SSA provides several programs to support individuals as they attempt to re-enter the workforce. These include the following:
- Expedited Reinstatement: If your benefits stop due to earnings but your disability later prevents you from continuing to work, you may qualify for expedited reinstatement within five years. This process allows you to resume benefits without reapplying, offering temporary payments while the SSA reviews your claim.
- Medicare Continuation: Even if your SSDI payments end, you may remain eligible for Medicare coverage for up to 93 months after completing your TWP. This safety net ensures continued access to healthcare while you test your ability to work.
The Law Firm has successfully guided clients through these programs, helping them retain vital resources while exploring income opportunities.
Balancing work and SSDI benefits requires a thorough understanding of SSA rules and income thresholds. Missteps can lead to unnecessary interruptions in your payments or even the loss of benefits. The Law Firm provides personalized guidance to help you assess your situation and make decisions that protect your financial security.
Whether you are considering returning to work, concerned about exceeding the income limits, or need advice about deductions and exemptions, The Law Firm can provide the information and support you need.
If you have questions about earning income while receiving SSDI benefits, The Law Firm is here to assist.
Contact The Law Firm today to discuss your situation and learn how you can increase your income without jeopardizing your SSDI payments. With our guidance, you can approach your financial future with confidence.
