Many New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians who are applying for or receiving Social Security Disability benefits want to work part-time, whether for personal or financial reasons. If you’re receiving Social Security Disability benefits or going through the application process, you may wonder whether working could jeopardize your ability to receive benefits. Ultimately, the answer depends on a number of factors.
If you are applying for benefits, it’s best to check with your legal team before you start a job search. They can explain the relevant program rules so you can understand how working may affect your claim. If you are receiving benefits and begin working, you must advise the Social Security Administration.
Working While on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) supports people who have paid into Social Security but now cannot work due to a disability. If you’re receiving SSDI benefits, you have more flexibility than you might think regarding part-time work.
The process begins with a Trial Work Period. The federal government gives you nine months in a 60-month period to try working without losing your benefits. For 2026, ach month you earn over $1,210 counts toward the trial period (this amount is adjusted each year). However, the months do not have to be consecutive.
Once you complete your Trial Work Period, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) begins. During the EPE, you can receive benefits for months when your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold.
In 2026, SGA for most recipients is $1,690/month. If you’re blind, the threshold increases to $2,830/month. You cannot receive benefits for any month you earn over the threshold during the EPE.
When the EPE concludes, a five-month grace period starts. If your earnings exceed SGA, the Social Security Administration will consider your disability over, and you’ll receive three more months of benefits as an off-ramp. Otherwise, benefits can continue as long as your earnings are below SGA.
Working While Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for disabled people with limited income and resources. Instead of trial periods and eligibility windows, SSI uses income exclusions that allow you to work while receiving partial benefits. IF you are receiving Supplemental Security Income and want to work, you should contact your local Social Security office for information about annual income exclusions.
Reporting Requirements
Whether you are applying for or already receiving SSDI or SSI, you must notify the Social Security Administration of any changes to your work or income. This includes the following:
- Starting, ending, or changing jobs, including self-employment
- Earning pre-tax wages over $1,160 per month
- Receiving income from other sources (workers’ comp, state or local benefits)
Most reports can be made online or by phone. If you are still in the application process, your lawyer may also be able to fax information on work and income changes on your behalf.
Contact a Southwest New York Social Security Disability Attorney
The Jamestown, NY disability attorneys of Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC are ready to answer your questions on how working may affect your benefits. We’ve served Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania since 1984, and take a unique approach that combines each of our team members’ distinctive experience to pursue the best outcome for you. Contact our office today for an initial consultation.
