Many Californians who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) want to know if they can work without losing their benefits. The good news is yes—you can work while on SSDI, but strict rules apply. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has work incentive programs that let you test your ability to return to work while still receiving benefits.
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Understanding the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit
The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if your work counts as “substantial.”
- In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most people and $2,590 per month if you are blind.
- If you consistently earn more than these amounts, the SSA may decide you are no longer disabled under SSDI rules.
Trial Work Period (TWP) in California
The Trial Work Period allows you to test working without immediately losing benefits.
- You may work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) while still receiving your full SSDI benefits.
- Any month you earn more than $1,110 (2025 threshold) counts as a trial month.
- After 9 trial months, you move into the Extended Period of Eligibility.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After the TWP, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
- During this time, you receive benefits for any month your income is below the SGA limit.
- If your income goes over SGA, benefits may stop—but they can restart if your earnings later fall below the limit.
California’s Work Incentives and Programs
In addition to federal SSDI rules, California offers programs that support disabled workers:
- Ticket to Work Program: Provides free job training, counseling, and placement services.
- California Work Incentives (CalWORKs): May allow you to keep certain benefits while working.
- Medi-Cal for Workers with Disabilities (WDP): Lets you keep Medi-Cal coverage even if your income increases due to work.
How Working Affects Medicare and Medi-Cal
- If you qualify for SSDI, you keep Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends.
- California’s Medi-Cal offers additional protections, allowing many SSDI recipients to maintain healthcare coverage while working.
Reporting Work to the SSA
You must always report your work activity to the SSA, including:
- Starting or stopping a job.
- Monthly earnings and hours worked.
- Any significant changes in job duties.
Failing to report work can lead to overpayments, which the SSA may require you to pay back.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing part-time work doesn’t count.
- Not keeping wage records and pay stubs.
- Assuming health coverage ends as soon as you start working.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Californians receiving SSDI understand their options if they want to return to work. Our team can:
- Explain SSA work rules and income limits.
- Guide you through the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility.
- Protect your SSDI benefits and healthcare coverage.
- Represent you if SSA questions your eligibility.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re receiving SSDI in California and want to work, call Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the rules, help you avoid costly mistakes, and protect the benefits you’ve worked hard to earn.
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