Understanding the SSA’s Work Limits

When you're approved for SSDI, the SSA assumes that your disability prevents you from engaging in what’s called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2025, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 for most applicants (or $2,590 if you're blind). If you earn more than this, the SSA may determine that you're no longer eligible for SSDI.

Part-Time Work Is Allowed—But Tracked

You may work part-time as long as your income stays below the SGA threshold and your work does not show an ability to perform substantial work consistently. The SSA will evaluate both how much you earn and the nature of your job duties.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The SSA also provides a Trial Work Period that allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work for up to 9 months within a 60-month window. During this period, you can earn any amount, and still receive your full SSDI check. In 2025, a month counts toward your TWP if you earn more than $1,110.

Once you’ve completed your 9-month trial period, your earnings will be evaluated more closely, and exceeding the SGA limit could result in the termination of benefits.

Reporting Your Work Activity

In California, as in every state, SSDI recipients are required to report the following to the SSA:

• Start and end dates of any job
• Hours worked and duties performed
• Gross monthly earnings
• Changes in work activity

Failure to report this information can result in overpayment and penalties, including the loss of benefits.