Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in California?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/10/2025

Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in California? In California, SSDI benefits may be affected if you return to work, but they are not automatically taken away. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a trial work period and income thresholds to determine if you can keep receiving benefits while working. If your earnings exceed certain limits or you are no longer considered disabled, your benefits could be reduced or stopped. It's important to understand the rules to avoid unexpected loss of benefits.

Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.

Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.

Step 1: Understand the Trial Work Period

The SSA allows a trial work period (TWP) allowing you to test your ability to work:

  • You can work for up to 9 months within a 60-month period while still receiving full benefits.
  • During these months, there is no limit to how much you can earn.
Step 2: Know the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

After the trial work period, SSA evaluates if you are engaging in SGA:

  • SGA is defined by earnings over a specific monthly threshold, which changes yearly.
  • If your income exceeds the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits could be suspended or terminated.
Step 3: Consider the Extended Period of Eligibility

Following the TWP, you enter an extended period of eligibility (EPE) that lasts 36 months:

  • If your earnings fall below SGA during this time, you may continue to receive benefits.
  • Benefits stop only if earnings remain above SGA for a sustained period.
Step 4: Report All Work Activity Accurately

You must promptly report your work and earnings to the SSA:

  • Failure to report work can lead to overpayments and penalties.
  • Honest reporting helps protect your benefits and maintain compliance.
Step 5: Understand Potential Benefit Reductions

If your work activity suggests you are no longer disabled:

  • Your benefits may be reduced, suspended, or stopped based on SSA reviews.
  • SSA may also require a medical review to confirm ongoing disability status.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we guide Californians on maintaining SSDI benefits when returning to work by:

  • Explaining the trial work period and income limits to help you keep benefits while testing work capacity.
  • Assisting in accurate reporting of your earnings and work activity to prevent overpayments.
  • Helping you understand how benefit reductions work if your earnings exceed SSA limits.
  • Representing you in communications with the SSA to protect your interests.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you are concerned about how working in California could affect your SSDI benefits, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our expert team will provide clear advice to help you understand your rights and keep the benefits you qualify for while navigating work rules.

Boost Your Chance of Being Approved

Get the Compensation You Deserve

Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.

How It Works
A black and white drawing of a checklist and a handshake.
1

Briefly tell us about your case

A stack of papers with lines on them on a white background.
2

Provide your contact information

A black and white icon of a scale of justice and a briefcase.
3

Choose attorneys to contact you