1. Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your work activity disqualifies you from receiving SSDI benefits. For 2025, the SGA income limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts typically means SSA considers you able to engage in substantial work, making you ineligible for benefits.

2. The Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you want to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits, SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP):

• You can work for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month rolling period while still receiving full SSDI payments, no matter how much you earn during those months (as long as you report it).
• For 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a TWP month.

3. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing your TWP:

• You enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
• During this time, you can still receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
• If you earn above the SGA limit, your benefits are suspended for that month, but you don’t need to reapply if your earnings drop again within this period.

4. Reporting Requirements

If you work while on SSDI, you must:

• Report your work activity and earnings to SSA immediately, including any changes in hours, pay rate, or job duties.
• Failure to report can lead to overpayments, penalties, or even benefit termination.

5. Minnesota Vocational Support Programs

Minnesota offers various employment programs for people with disabilities, such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which can help you find work while ensuring you understand how earnings affect SSDI.