Can You Work Part Time on Social Security Disability?

On This Page

1. Social Security Offers Work Incentives Without Cutting Off Benefits
2. Types of Social Security Work Incentives You Could Receive
3. Reporting Changes in Your Disability Status to Social Security
4. What to Do If You Receive a Denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
5. Call Berger and Green About Working Part Time on Social Security Disability

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you are disabled after an accident, you can work under some circumstances and still receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. In fact, Social Security provides work incentives and programs that can help you work if you need a job. 

However, you could see reduced benefits based on your income. A Pittsburgh Social Security Disability lawyer can assist you by going over your part-time work options so that you can maintain financial stability. 

Social Security Offers Work Incentives Without Cutting Off Benefits

If you want to explore getting a part-time job that can accommodate your medical condition or if you already have a job, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has set aside work provisions to help you without cutting off your benefits.

Thanks to work incentives and the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, you could receive the following while working:

• Temporary cash benefits to supplement the income you are making right now
• Medicare or Medicaid benefits
• Assistance with professional training, rehabilitation, job referrals, or education

You can work part-time and take advantage of these incentives while receiving both types of disability benefits—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Are There Income Limits?

SSDI and SSI have monthly income limits, meaning you can’t earn over that amount and still receive disability benefits. This is called the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit—if you earn above that limit, the SSA believes you are engaging in substantial gainful activity and are no longer disabled. 

However, how that actually applies to your situation isn’t always straightforward. For example, SSI is based on your income and other assets, whereas SSDI only looks at income. Some of the SSA’s work incentives also kick in if you earn above the limit, allowing you to test out going back to work before losing your benefits.

If you have questions about how much money you can make while receiving SSD benefits, an SSD lawyer, like the ones from Berger and Green, can go over your exact situation. 

Types of Social Security Work Incentives You Could Receive

To help individuals who need assistance due to a disability but still wish to work, the SSA has implemented various incentives for individuals and families. What path works for you will depend on your situation. 

Trial Work Period

After you complete the five-month waiting period, you can try working for nine months while assessing your capabilities and skills to see what level of work you can handle with your condition. During your trial period, you still qualify for full Social Security Disability Insurance benefits regardless of your level of income as long as:

• You report your work.
• You still have a condition SSA considers disabling.

The trial work period can also kick in if you start to earn more than the SGA limit.

Unfortunately, this work incentive is not available for those receiving SSI benefits. 

Extended Period of Eligibility

If you do not meet the Social Security guidelines that allow some work, and your disability benefits are terminated, you can still extend your eligibility period for up to 36 months. You do not need to fill out a new application, but you must contact Social Security. If, during this period, you again meet the requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability, your benefits will be automatically reinstated.

Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)

If your benefits suddenly stop because you have exceeded your monthly income limit, the SSA grants you five years to re-apply for benefits. If you suddenly stop working during those five years because of a disability, SSA can review your situation and reinstate your benefits. This can occur as long as you meet Social Security Disability guidelines. 

Continuation of Medicare

If you earn too much from your part-time job to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you may still have access to Medicare Part A for up to 93 months. Once the period ends, you can elect to purchase Medicare Part A or Part B coverage and pay the monthly premium to receive the benefit.

Work Expenses

Whether you work at home or on-site for an employer, you may need certain items to assist you as you complete your work. If so, the SSA can help you deduct these expenses from your monthly earnings. This can help you meet the income guidelines to continue your eligibility for benefits.

Since this and other options depend on the factors at play in your case—like your condition, the type of part-time job, and the timeline of your case—you should be in contact with the Social Security Administration. 

Reporting Changes in Your Disability Status to Social Security

Getting or quitting a part-time job, getting a raise, or other changes can happen while you’re trying to maintain your SSD benefits. If your current situation changes after you receive your disability benefits, you must report these changes to your SSA representative as part of maintaining eligibility for SSD after receiving approval.

According to the SSA’s reporting responsibilities, changes that you must report include:

• Changes in your personal or household income if you are on SSI
• If you start or stop work for any reason
• The conditions (pay, duties, hours) at your current job change
• If you start paying for job-related expenses

It is important to report these changes as they happen without delay. Failing to do so can cause you to lose your disability benefits. Remember, if you lose your job, SSA will reinstate your full disability benefits under some circumstances.

What to Do If You Receive a Denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA may deny your disability claim. Don’t panic. You can appeal a decision the SSA made about your case. You have 60 days to appeal, so you must complete your paperwork as soon as possible.

If the SSA rejects your appeal, you may feel that there is nothing you can do. However, even the SSA’s decision at this stage is not always final. If you receive a denial on your claim, you may still have legal options.

First, you may want to consult a Social Security Disability lawyer about how to appeal a decision on disability benefits. A lawyer from our firm can review the reason for SSA’s claim denial and manage your case going forward. They can:

• Investigate to find out the case’s facts if you have a disability 
• Submit all documents to SSA or the insurer before any deadlines
• Communicate with all parties on your behalf
• Fight for a settlement or disability benefits, even all the way to court 
• Handle your entire case from start to finish and answer your questions

Call Berger and Green About Working Part Time on Social Security Disability

To learn more from our SSD benefits lawyers about working part-time while on Social Security Disability, call Berger and Green for a free consultation. If you received a claim denial, now is the time to start your Social Security Disability appeals process. 

Our law firm has spent decades helping disabled individuals get the disability benefits they need for their injuries. We can help you seek benefits that help you maintain financial independence.