Can You Work While On Disability?

Can you work while on disability in California? It’s a common and important question for individuals living a life with a disability.

Disability has a negative impact on both financial and personal aspects of life. Fortunately, programs like SSI (Social Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) offer a helping hand when you’re unable to work due to medical conditions.

But what happens once you start receiving the benefits? Can you work again? Can you earn an income without losing the benefits? Let’s find out in this blog!

Can You Continue Working While On Disability?

It can be difficult to give an answer to the question, “Can you work while on SSI Disability?” In some cases, you might be allowed to work. However, if your income goes over a certain limit, your benefits could either be reduced, paused, or, in the worst case, stopped!

That is why it is advisable to get help from a qualified disability attorney in Sacramento. They will guide you with -

When you work
Your income restrictions while receiving benefits
How to continue working safely without jeopardizing your household income

They’ll help you understand the rules that apply to your type of disability and how working may affect your income. Thus, ensuring you don’t lose out on your only income source amidst your disability.

Can You Work While on SSDI?

Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI benefits. This is because the Social Security Administration (SSA) motivates people to resume their work through numerous job incentive programs, such as -

Trial Work Period (TWP) - This enables you to work for nine months while obtaining total SSDI payments.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) - Following the TWP, you enter the EPE, during which you can work and earn benefits as long as your earnings remain below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) -

These programs are intended to assist disabled people in re-entering the workforce without losing their benefits. However, if your revenues surpass the SGA threshold, your benefits may be decreased or terminated.

Additionally, it is important to keep the SSA informed of your employment and income. This is because, if you fail to do so, it may result in overpayments or other issues. The rules can be complicated, so it is advisable to seek help from a reliable Social Security lawyer in Sacramento!

Note: If you're engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you can't get disability benefits.

Can You Work While Collecting SSI?

Working while receiving SSI is possible, but it can impact the amount of financial support you get. Any income you make might reduce your disability benefits owing to the SSI's stringent income and assets restrictions.

As of 2025, if you’re earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,700 if you’re blind), the SSA may consider that you’re engaging in SGA. Thus, potentially disqualifies you from receiving disability benefits. However, working fewer hours with lower pay does not necessarily disqualify you, especially if your condition still limits your ability to work full-time.

The Social Security Administration calculates how your wages affect your SSI benefits. They permit you to earn a set amount each month without impacting your SSI payments, known as the "earned income exclusion." Any earnings over this exclusion, however, will result in a reduction in your SSI benefits.

So, if you’re working and have substantial earnings, you may have the option to request the SSA to withhold your benefits to avoid overpayment. If you lose your job during a 36-month extended period of eligibility, you can get in touch with an SSD lawyer to help you reinstate your benefits.

How Many Hours Can You Work While On Disability?

The rules of Social Security focus more on how much you earn to determine if you’re performing a substantial gainful activity (SGA), rather than restricting the number of hours you work!

Technically, there is no specific cap on the number of hours worked. However, if you’re self-employed or the head of a business, then you may work a certain number of hours (45 hours per month) without receiving an hourly wage. But the catch is - you must not earn more than the income limit.

For employees, there are no such limitations on working hours. But, if the SSA finds a high number of work hours, they may evaluate your earnings and work activity to evaluate if you’re engaging in the SGA.

The SSA will assess your earnings, job duties, and any accommodations made due to your disability. Additionally, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients may be eligible for the Trial Work Period (TWP). During this period, you can work and still get benefits, regardless of income, for up to nine months.

This working system allows you to attempt rejoining the workforce without losing out on disability benefits.

Will I Lose My Benefits If I Work Part-Time?

If you’re already enrolled for Social Security Benefits, then you have to follow the restrictions and limitations on how much you can work. As said earlier, if you earn over a certain limit, known as substantial gainful activity, chances are you may lose your benefits.

Getting approved for SSDI and SSI is challenging. Some applicants wait for months - or even years to get SSDI approved. The process can be demanding and requires extensive documentation and stringent eligibility criteria. Thus, making approval far from guaranteed.

So, if you’ve secured the benefits, be sure to keep them. To ensure you have the SSD benefits, here are the three things to understand -

Work activity
Income limits
Reporting requirements

Even a small mistake, such as failing to report a change in income or work status, can risk your benefits. So, stay informed and make wise decisions!

Are There Any Special Rules For Blind Workers?

If you’re blind and you work while receiving disability benefits, here are some special rules -

You can earn up to $2,700 per month.
If the earnings exceed the given amount, the benefits may be affected.
If you earn enough not to receive disability benefits, you’re still eligible for a disability “freeze.” This means the years when you had little or no earnings won’t be considered when calculating future benefits.

This is helpful because the benefits are based on your highest earnings over your work life.

What Should You Report If You’re Receiving Disability Benefits And Still Working?

If you have been approved for SSI and if any one of the following occurs, you must immediately report to the SSA -

You start or stop working.
Your working hours, job role, and pay change.
You start paying expenses for work because of the disability.

Failing to report these changes may lead to overpayment, which you’ll be required to repay. Continued failure to report accurately could also result in suspension or termination of your benefits. In extreme cases, it may also lead to penalties or allegations of fraud.

Will I Continue Receiving My Medicaid?

Your work income will lead your SSI to stop, but your Medicaid will continue until your income reaches a certain level. The income level varies by state and reflects the cost of healthcare in your area.

If the cost of healthcare exceeds your income level, you may retain both your income and benefits. However, there are certain criteria to be met, such as -

You still have a disability.
You need Medicaid to be able to work.
You meet all the other eligibility requirements for SSI.
You’re unable to afford similar medical coverage without SSI.

If you meet the criteria and are eligible for Medicaid, you can get in touch with the SSA or your SSI lawyer.

Takeaway

Understanding if you can work while receiving disability benefits can be difficult. There are rules enforced by the Social Security Administration regarding working hours and income earned. Therefore, it is important to adhere to these rules by ensuring that you’re reporting work activity and income changes.

If you’re unsure of how employment may affect your disability benefits, you can get in touch with a Social Security benefits lawyer. They help you keep informed and stay compliant so that you don’t lose out on your benefits.

Reach Out To Hadley And Fraulob For A Free Disability Claim Review!

So, if you’re still thinking, “Can you work while on social security disability?” and are unsure of the exact answer, get in touch with Hadley and Fraulob. We represent individuals with disabilities and will review your case to ensure you comply with SSA law.

If you're searching for Social Security Disability lawyers in Lincoln, Auburn, Placer County, Roseville, and nearby areas, Hadley & Fraulob is here to help you get your claims approved faster.

Call us to book a FREE consultation!