You can work part-time while on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but there are strict income limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

If you earn more than the allowed amount, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.

How Many Hours Can You Work on SSDI?

There is no specific limit on the number of hours you can work while on SSDI. 

What matters is your monthly income and whether your work is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). 

For 2025, the SGA limit is:

• $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals.
  
• $2,590 per month for blind individuals.

As long as your earnings stay below these levels, you can usually keep your benefits.

What Is the Trial Work Period (TWP)?

The Trial Work Period (TWP) lets SSDI beneficiaries test their ability to work without losing benefits right away. In 2025:

• Any month you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
  
• You get 9 trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
  
• During this time, you can earn any amount and still receive your SSDI payments.

This program helps people ease back into the workforce.

What Happens After the Trial Work Period?

After you use up your 9 trial work months, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). This lasts 36 months.

1. During the EPE, you receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
   
2. If your earnings go above SGA, your benefits may stop.
   
3. If your earnings later drop below SGA, your benefits can restart without filing a new application.

How Does Part-Time Work Affect Medical Reviews?

Working part-time may raise questions during Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). 

The SSA may review your case to confirm that your medical condition still prevents full-time work. 

However, part-time work under the SGA limit usually does not cause problems if your condition remains unchanged.

Can You Work Part-Time While on SSDI and Still Keep Medicare?

Yes. If you qualify for SSDI, you also get Medicare coverage after 24 months of benefits. 

Even if you work part-time, you typically keep your Medicare coverage as long as you remain eligible for SSDI.

What Happens If You Earn Above the SGA Limit?

If your part-time job pays more than the SGA limit, the SSA may decide you are no longer disabled under their rules.

This could stop your SSDI payments. However, you may qualify for:

• Expedited reinstatement of benefits if your condition worsens within five years.
• Work incentives like continued Medicare coverage.

FAQs

Q1: How much can I earn on SSDI in 2025?
You can earn up to $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind) without losing benefits.

Q2: Does the SSA look at hours or income?
The SSA focuses on income, not hours worked.

Q3: What happens if I accidentally go over the limit?
If you go over SGA, you may lose benefits for that month, but your case may not be closed right away.

Q4: Do I have to report part-time work to the SSA?
Yes. All work and income must be reported, even if it’s part-time or under the limit.

Q5: Can I work part-time while appealing an SSDI denial?
Yes, but earnings above the SGA limit could hurt your appeal.

Sources:

• Social Security Administration – Working While Disabled
• SSA – Trial Work Period