Can I work part time and still be eligible for SSDI benefits?

The overall answer is, yes one can work a part time job and get some benefits from the SSDI program. However, it is important to note that there are limits as to how much one applicant can be entitled to. If an applicant is not blind and is earning more the $1,310 USD per month, or if they are blind and are earning more than $2,190 USD per month, the federal administering body will classify such a person under the category of ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA). If an applicant is under this category, then their SSDI payments will stop. Sometimes, applicant who experience this decide “Let me find a social security disability lawyer near me” to get more information.

The only way that an applicant can still get SSDI benefit is if they are simultaneously part of one of the Social Security’s work incentive programs. As the name suggests, these programs are designed to help people secure meaningful employment, either through mental help, job searches, resume fixing etc. One of the main programs that applicants attend is called ‘Ticket to Work’. This program offers people on SSDI or SDI certain pre-planned work experiences, which are aimed to allow the person under disability to increase their skill set which will in turn enhance their ability to eventually find a job.  Under this program, an applicant will have their SGA limits uplifted for a certain period of time. 

It is important to note that with the Social Security work incentive programs, if an applicant obtains reasonably meaningful employment, their benefits under SSDI will cease. It is also important to note that the SGA limits are adjusted annually based on numerous factors, including but not limited to, the general health of the economy and a change in average wages.