If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in California, you may wonder if working part-time will affect your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows limited work, but strict rules determine how much you can earn without losing eligibility.
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.
The Basics: SSDI and Work Rules
- SSDI is meant for people who cannot perform substantial work due to a disability.
- However, the SSA recognizes that many people want to try working again—sometimes part-time.
- California follows the same federal rules, with no state-specific earnings cap.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits
- In 2025, the SSA considers you able to work at a “substantial” level if you earn more than:
- $1,550 per month (non-blind individuals)
- $2,590 per month (for blind individuals)
- If you stay under these amounts, your SSDI benefits can continue.
- Earning more than the limit may lead the SSA to stop your benefits.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
- The SSA offers a Trial Work Period that lets you test working while still getting SSDI.
- For 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
- You get 9 trial months within a 60-month window.
- During these months, you keep your full SSDI benefits no matter how much you earn.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
- After the Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
- During this time, you’ll receive SSDI benefits in any month your earnings are below SGA levels.
- If you earn above SGA, your benefits may be suspended—but not terminated immediately.
California Part-Time Work Examples
- Working 10 hours per week at minimum wage (~$700/month) → SSDI continues.
- Working 20 hours per week at $20/hour (~$1,600/month) → May exceed SGA and risk losing SSDI.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Californians on SSDI understand their work options without risking benefits. Our team can:
- Review your earnings to see if they fit SSA limits.
- Explain trial work and extended eligibility rules.
- Help protect your SSDI if the SSA questions your work activity.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you want to work part-time while receiving SSDI in California, call Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll explain the rules, help you stay compliant, and protect your disability benefits.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you