Many individuals with disabilities may wonder about the implications of working part-time while receiving disability benefits. It’s a common concern among those who rely on disability assistance to meet their financial needs. In this article, we will explore the factors that determine whether working part-time will affect your disability benefits.

Understanding Disability Assistance: Before getting into how part-time employment may affect your benefits, it’s crucial to grasp the various forms of disability assistance commonly accessible:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability. The amount of benefits is based on your work history and earnings.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a program based on financial need that offers financial support to individuals with disabilities who have restricted income and assets.
   
   

Will Part-Time Work Affect Your Disability Benefits? The answer to whether part-time work will affect your disability benefits depends on many factors:

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Social Security uses a threshold called SGA to determine if you are engaged in substantial work activity. As of 2024, if you earn more than $1,350 per month (or $2,260 for blind individuals), your work may be considered SGA. Exceeding the SGA limit may result in a decrease or cessation of SSDI benefits.
2. Trial Work Period (TWP): SSDI beneficiaries are allowed a Trial Work Period during which they can test their ability to work without losing benefits. In 2024, any month in which you earn more than $950 counts as a TWP month. You are allowed a maximum of nine TWP months within a consecutive 60-month period.
3. SSI Income Limits: SSI has income and resource limits that vary by state. If your part-time income exceeds these limits, your SSI benefits may be discontinued or reduced.
4. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Social Security allows you to deduct certain work-related expenses due to your disability when calculating your countable income. These deductions can assist you in remaining within the income limits set for SSI eligibility.
5. Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs): Social Security conducts periodic reviews to assess your disability status. If your employment indicates a significant improvement in your condition, there may be a reevaluation of your disability benefits.
6. Medicaid and Medicare Coverage: If you are receiving Medicaid or Medicare along with disability benefits, your eligibility for these healthcare programs may be affected by changes in resources and income.

Seeking Guidance: If you’re considering part-time work while receiving disability benefits, it’s advisable to:

• Consult with a Disability Specialist: Reach out to a Social Security Disability specialist or advocate who can guide how part-time work may impact your specific situation.
• Report Income Changes: Notify Social Security promptly when your income changes. Accurate reporting ensures you receive the correct benefits.
• Keep Records: Maintain records of your work-related expenses (IRWE) and any medical documentation related to your disability.
  
  

Working part-time while receiving disability benefits is possible, but it requires careful consideration of income thresholds, work expenses, and program-specific rules. While part-time work can be a valuable step toward greater financial independence, it’s crucial to grasp the potential consequences of your disability benefits and to seek expert advice to navigate the procedure proficiently.