Does income affect Social Security disability payments?
James Craig
Published Apr 19, 2026
Generally, the more countable income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. Some of your income may not count as income for the SSI program.
How much money can I make and still get my disability?
To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you’ll need to make $1,220 or less per month in 2019. If you’re blind, the limit is $2,040. This amount is known as “substantial gainful activity,” and is adjusted each year.
How many hours can you work while receiving Social Security disability?
Social Security typically allows up to 45 hours of work per month if you’re self-employed and on SSDI. That comes out to around 10 hours per week. The SSA will also see whether or not you’re the only person working for your business. You must not be earning SGA, along with not working too many hours.
Can you work while on disability Social Security?
Working and SSDI Benefits Generally, SSDI recipients can’t do what’s considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. SSDI recipients are entitled to a trial work period during which they can make more than the SGA amount without losing benefits.
Can you work part time and get Social Security disability?
Featured In. You can generally work part time while you apply for Social Security disability benefits as long as your earnings don’t exceed a certain amount set by Social Security each year. If you earn more than this amount, called the “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limit, Social Security assumes you can do a substantial amount of work,…
What happens to your Social Security benefits when you get a disability?
If you receive SSDI and begin collecting other disability benefits, your monthly SSDI benefits may be reduced. For instance, if you have been injured on the job and start receiving workers’ compensation (including certain benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act), your monthly SSDI payment may be reduced.
Is there a limit to how many months you can work on SSDI?
For Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), technically the SGA limit still applies, but you have what’s called a “trial work period.”. This is a period of nine months during which you can more than the SGA limit.
Is there income that does not affect SSDI?
When SSDI recipients obtain other public disability, workers’ compensation benefits and employment income, it can affect the amount of SSDI for which the individual is eligible. Income That Does NOT Reduce SSDI Benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, private pension and insurance benefits do not affect SSDI payments.