Understanding SSDI and Work Limits

The SSA allows SSDI recipients to work part-time as long as their income stays below a certain level. This limit is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,550 per month, while for blind individuals it’s $2,590 per month.

If your monthly earnings exceed these limits, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled, which could result in your benefits being stopped.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The SSA also provides something called a Trial Work Period, allowing you to test your ability to work without immediately losing your SSDI benefits.

Here’s how it works:

• You can work for up to nine trial months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period.
• During those months, if you earn more than $1,110 (the 2025 threshold for trial work), it counts as a trial month.
• You’ll continue receiving full SSDI benefits during your trial months, regardless of how much you earn.

After your trial work period ends, the SSA evaluates whether your work activity shows that you can engage in substantial gainful activity.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing the trial work period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, if your income falls below the SGA limit in any month, you can still receive SSDI benefits. If you go above the SGA limit, your benefits will be suspended for that month—but not permanently terminated unless your income consistently remains over the limit.

This flexibility helps SSDI recipients transition back to work without the fear of immediately losing benefits.

Reporting Your Work Activity to the SSA

It’s crucial to report any work activity to the SSA, even if you’re only working a few hours a week. Failing to report your earnings could lead to overpayments, where the SSA pays you more than you’re eligible for and later requires repayment.

You can report your work activity by:

• Logging into your mySSA account at www.ssa.gov
• Calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
• Visiting your local Missouri SSA office

When reporting, include details like your employer’s name, job duties, hours worked, and gross monthly pay.

Examples of Part-Time Work That May Be Allowed

Some SSDI recipients in Missouri successfully work part-time jobs that stay within income limits. Examples include:

• Working as a cashier for limited shifts
• Doing remote freelance work for a few hours weekly
• Assisting with community programs or volunteer work that pays modestly

The key is ensuring your monthly gross income stays below the SSA’s SGA threshold.

Be Aware of Missouri’s Additional Rules

While SSDI is a federal program, the Missouri Department of Social Services may administer state-based assistance that interacts with your disability benefits. For example, if you receive both SSDI and Medicaid, working part-time could affect your state medical benefits or other income-based programs. Always check how your earnings might impact these benefits before increasing your work hours.

Tips for Working Part-Time While on SSDI

• Track your income carefully each month.
• Save your pay stubs in case the SSA requests proof.
• Avoid unreported overtime that could push your income over the limit.
• Consult your doctor before returning to work to ensure it aligns with your medical restrictions.

Working part-time can be a great way to stay active and supplement your income, but staying informed about the limits ensures you protect your SSDI eligibility.