Many people receiving Social Security disability benefits want to return to work but hesitate because
they fear losing their monthly payments or health coverage. A common question in is whether working
part time or full-time automatically ends SSDI or SSI benefits.
The short answer is no, you do not automatically lose your disability benefits just because you work.
Social Security has specific work rules, income thresholds, and incentive programs designed to let
beneficiaries test their ability to work while protecting benefits during the transition. However, earnings
do matter and understanding how these rules work is essential to avoiding surprises.
In this article we’ll explain to you how part-time and full-time work affects disability benefits, how
Substantial Gainful Activity works, and how programs like Ticket to Work can help you return to work
safely.
Can You Work While Receiving SSDI or SSI?
Yes. Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allow
beneficiaries to work, but they follow different rules.
The Social Security Administration recognizes that many people with disabilities want to work if they can.
That is why SSA created work incentive programs that let you explore employment without immediately
losing benefits.
The key factors SSA looks at are:
- How much you earn.
- Whether your work counts as Substantial Gainful Activity.
- Whether you report your work and earnings correctly.
Working is allowed. What matters is how much you earn and where you are in SSA’s work incentive timeline.
What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?
Substantial Gainful Activity, often called SGA, is the monthly earnings level SSA uses to decide whether
your work is considered substantial.
If your countable earnings are below SGA, you generally remain eligible for disability benefits. If your
earnings are above SGA, your benefits may stop, depending on your situation and where you are in the
work incentive process.
SGA applies primarily to SSDI, but SSI uses income limits and reductions instead of a single cutoff. Learn
more about SGA in the following article: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Working Part Time While on Disability in 2026
Working part time does not automatically cause you to lose disability benefits.
Many people work part time and remain below the SGA limit. If your monthly earnings stay under the
SGA amount, SSA usually considers that you are still disabled under its rules.
For SSDI recipients:
- Earnings below SGA typically allow benefits to continue.
- SSA may still review your work activity.
- Reporting income is required even if earnings are low.
For SSI recipients:
- Benefits are reduced gradually as earnings increase.
- You may still receive partial SSI payments.
- Medicaid eligibility may continue even with reduced payments.
Part time work is often a steppingstone for people who want to test their ability to work while protecting
their benefits.
Working Full Time While on Disability in 2026
Full time work is allowed, but it is more likely to exceed SGA, especially after work incentive periods end.
Many people can work full time during SSA’s Trial Work Period without losing benefits. After that, full
time earnings above SGA usually cause SSDI payments to stop.
It is important to understand that working full time does not automatically mean SSA believes you are
no longer disabled. The decision is based on earnings levels, not hours alone.
What Is the Trial Work Period?
The Trial Work Period, or TWP, is one of the most important protections for SSDI beneficiaries who want
to return to work.
During the Trial Work Period:
- You can work and earn any amount.
- You still receive full SSDI payments.
- The period lasts up to nine months.
- The months do not have to be consecutive.
A Trial Work month is triggered when earnings exceed a set amount established by SSA. During this time,
SSA does not limit how much you earn.
This allows you to test full time or part time work without immediately losing your disability check. Learn
more about TWP through the following article: Trial Work Period
What Happens After the Trial Work Period?
After completing the Trial Work Period, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility, often called EPE.
During the Extended Period of Eligibility:
- SSA reviews your earnings monthly.
- You receive benefits for months your earnings are below SGA.
- Benefits stop for months earnings are above SGA.
- Benefits can restart automatically if earnings drop below SGA.
The Extended Period of Eligibility lasts 36 months. This provides a safety net for people whose work or
health fluctuates. Learn more about extended period of eligibility through the following article:
Do Benefits End Permanently if You Earn Above SGA?
Not immediately. Even after benefits stop due to earnings above SGA, SSA offers additional protections.
If your benefits stop because of work and later you are unable to continue working due to your disability,
you may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement. This allows you to request benefits again without filing a
brand-new application, if the request is made within five years.
How SSI Rules Are Different
SSI follows different rules because it is a needs-based program.
Instead of SGA alone, SSA reduces SSI payments as income increases. Some income is excluded, which
means you may still receive SSI even while working.
What's important for SSI:
- SSI payments usually decrease as earnings increase.
- You may continue to qualify for Medicaid.
- Work incentives help reduce the impact of earnings.
This structure encourages work while still providing support.
Why Reporting Work Is Critical
Regardless of whether you work part-time or full time, you must report all work and earnings to Social
Security.
Failing to report income can lead to:
- Overpayments.
- Benefit suspensions.
- Repayment obligations.
Honest and timely reporting protects you and helps SSA apply the correct work incentives. Learn more
about reporting your work to SSA in the following article: Insert Link of how to Report your Work
Activity.
How Ticket to Work Helps You Return to Work Safely
The Ticket to Work program is designed specifically to help disability beneficiaries return to work while
protecting benefits.
If you are age 18 through 64 and receive SSDI or SSI, you can assign your Ticket to Work to an
Employment Network like Disability Services of America.
By assigning your ticket, you may receive:
- Employment planning and goal setting.
- Help understanding SSA work rules.
- Support navigating Trial Work Periods and SGA.
- Guidance on reporting earnings correctly.
While your ticket is assigned and you are making timely progress toward work goals, SSA generally
postpones medical reviews.
Can Ticket to Work Help With Full Time Employment?
Yes. Ticket to Work is designed to support both part-time and full-time employment goals.
The program recognizes that long term financial independence often comes from increased earnings
over time. Ticket to Work allows you to pursue higher earnings while still understanding how benefits
phase out and what protections remain in place.
Will I Automatically Lose Medicare or Medicaid if I Work?
In many cases, no. SSDI recipients often keep Medicare coverage for an extended period after benefits
stop due to work. SSI recipients may keep Medicaid eligibility even when cash payments decrease or
stop, depending on state rules and income levels.
Healthcare protection is one of the reasons SSA encourages people to explore work rather than avoid it
out of fear.