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How Much Money Can You Make On Social Security Disability?


— May 30, 2023

Overall, the amount of money you can make on Social Security Disability depends on your individual circumstances, and it’s best to consult with the SSA or a qualified financial professional for personalized advice.


The amount of money you can receive on Social Security Disability (SSDI) is determined by your average lifetime earnings prior to becoming disabled. SSDI benefits are not based on financial need, but rather on your earnings history and your ability to work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a complex formula to calculate your SSDI benefit amount, based on your work history and earnings. The maximum SSDI benefit amount in 2022 is $3,149 per month.

However, most people do not receive the maximum SSDI benefit amount. The average monthly SSDI benefit amount in 2022 is $1,311, but your benefit amount may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances.

It’s also worth noting that if you receive other forms of income, such as workers’ compensation, disability benefits from a private insurance policy, or a pension, your SSDI benefit amount may be reduced. Additionally, if you earn income from working while receiving SSDI benefits, your benefits may be reduced depending on the amount of income you earn.

Overall, the amount of money you can make on Social Security Disability depends on your individual circumstances, and it’s best to consult with the SSA or a qualified financial professional for personalized advice.

Working Part-Time While on Social Security Disability

If you are receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you are allowed to work part-time and still receive your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has several programs that allow people with disabilities to work and earn income while receiving SSDI benefits.

The Ticket to Work program is one of these programs. It provides job training and vocational rehabilitation services to SSDI beneficiaries who want to work. You can work part-time while participating in the program and still receive your SSDI benefits.

Under the SSA’s rules, you are allowed to earn up to a certain amount of money each month without affecting your SSDI benefits. In 2022, the amount is $1,340 per month for non-blind SSDI beneficiaries, and $2,270 per month for blind SSDI beneficiaries.

Your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped altogether if you earn more than the allowed amount. The amount of reduction depends on your earnings and other factors, such as whether you receive any other disability-related benefits.

It’s important to report any changes in your work status or earnings to the SSA as soon as possible, as failure to do so could result in overpayments that you will have to pay back.

Overall, working part-time while on Social Security Disability is allowed, and there are programs and resources available to help you do so. However, it’s important to understand the rules and limitations and to report any changes in your income to the SSA to avoid potential penalties or overpayments.

What Is a Substantial Gainful Activity Limit and How Does It Apply to the Benefits?

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is a threshold established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that determines whether a person is considered disabled and eligible for disability benefits. SGA refers to any activity that is performed for pay or profit, including self-employment.

For Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, the SGA limit is based on the amount of earnings a person can make each month before they are considered able to engage in substantial gainful activity. In 2022, the SGA limit is $1,340 per month for non-blind SSDI beneficiaries, and $2,270 per month for blind SSDI beneficiaries.

If a person’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, they are considered to be engaged in substantial gainful activity and are not considered disabled for SSDI purposes. If their earnings are below the SGA limit, the SSA will evaluate their medical condition and determine whether they meet the other eligibility requirements for disability benefits.

It’s important to note that the SGA limit only applies to SSDI benefits, and not to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI has its own income and resource limits that determine eligibility.

In summary, the SGA limit is a key factor in determining whether a person is eligible for SSDI benefits, and it’s important to understand the current limit and how it applies to your individual circumstances.

If You Can Return to Work While Receiving SSDI

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If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it’s possible that you may be able to return to work at some point in the future. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has programs and incentives in place to encourage SSDI beneficiaries to return to work while ensuring they continue receiving the support they need.

One such program is the Ticket to Work program, which provides job training and vocational rehabilitation services to SSDI beneficiaries who want to work. The program is designed to help individuals with disabilities improve their skills, gain work experience, and become more employable.

If you return to work while receiving SSDI benefits, there are certain rules and limitations that you need to be aware of. You are allowed to earn up to a certain amount of money each month without affecting your SSDI benefits. In 2022, the limit is $1,340 per month for non-blind SSDI beneficiaries, and $2,270 per month for blind SSDI beneficiaries. Your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped if your earnings exceed these limits.

The SSA also has a trial work period program that allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months, while still receiving full SSDI benefits. During this period, you can earn any amount of money without affecting your SSDI benefits. If you are able to work for more than nine months, your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped depending on your earnings.

It’s important to report any changes in your work status or earnings to the SSA as soon as possible, as failure to do so could result in overpayments that you will have to pay back.

Overall, if you are receiving SSDI benefits and are able to return to work, there are programs and incentives in place to help you do so. It’s important to understand the rules and limitations and to report any changes in your income to the SSA to avoid potential penalties or overpayments.

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