Do Social Security retirement rules apply the same way to SSDI benefits?
I've been on SSDI for about 3 years now (spinal injury), and I'm getting confused about what rules apply to me vs regular Social Security retirement. My neighbor keeps telling me I should be careful about the earnings limits and that I'll get penalized if I make too much money, just like with regular SS. But then my cousin who's also on disability said that's totally wrong and SSDI has completely different rules than retirement benefits. I tried calling the SSA office but got disconnected twice after waiting forever. Can someone clarify if retirement rules (like earnings limits, benefit reduction, etc.) apply the same way to people on SSDI? I'm thinking about trying to do some very part-time work but don't want to mess up my benefits.
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Nathaniel Stewart
Your cousin is closer to being right. SSDI and retirement benefits have different rules, especially regarding work. For SSDI, there's no earnings limit like retirement benefits have. Instead, there's what's called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - which in 2025 is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than that, it signals to SSA that you may no longer be disabled. Retirement benefits have the Annual Earnings Test which reduces benefits if you're under FRA (Full Retirement Age) and earn above certain thresholds. But that doesn't apply to SSDI. SSDI also has Trial Work Periods where you can test your ability to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) without losing benefits, regardless of how much you earn during those months.
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Lola Perez
•Thank you! This makes more sense now. So the SGA is like a monthly limit rather than annual? And these Trial Work Periods - do I need to apply for those specifically or do they just happen automatically when I start working?
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Riya Sharma
i was in the same boat last yr trying to figure this out!!! SSDI has TOTALLY different rules than regular retirement. the biggest thing to understand is the SGA limit which is around $1550 a month now i think. if you make MORE than that amount, SSA assumes your not disabled anymore and will terminate your benefits after a grace period. for me, using Claimyr (claimyr.com) was a LIFESAVER when i needed to talk to SSA about my specific situation. i was getting disconnected for DAYS trying to reach them, but Claimyr got me through to an actual person in like 20 mins! they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU just make sure you report ANY work to SSA, even if its under SGA limit. failing to report is what gets most people in trouble!
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Santiago Diaz
•Is that service legit? Seems kinda weird to pay someone just to call SSA for you.
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Riya Sharma
•they dont call FOR you - they get you through the phone system so YOU can talk to SSA yourself. its basically a way to skip the hours of hold time and disconnects. I was super skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 4 days to get through. worked exactly like they showed in their video.
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Millie Long
YOUR NEIGHBOR IS WRONG!!!! This is one of the most common misunderstandings about SS benefits that drives me CRAZY. Retirement benefits and SSDI are COMPLETELY different programs with different rules!!! For retirement, you have earnings limits that can reduce your benefits if you're under FRA (Full Retirement Age). But for SSDI, it's about whether you can perform SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). They don't reduce your benefits gradually - it's basically all or nothing. You either can work at SGA level (meaning you're not disabled by their definition) OR you can't (and deserve full SSDI). The SSA makes these programs NEEDLESSLY CONFUSING and their phone lines are ALWAYS jammed because they've cut staff while baby boomers are all retiring!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
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KaiEsmeralda
•this happens all the time...ppl giving advice about benefits they dont even receive smh
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Debra Bai
my uncle got his ssdi cancelled when he started working part time at walmart so be super careful. dont know exact rules but they dont tell u when ur doing something wrong they just cut benefits and then good luck getting them back.
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Your uncle likely earned above the SGA limit, or possibly didn't report his work activity properly. SSA should send notices before terminating benefits, and there's an appeals process, but it can be complicated to navigate. That's why proper reporting is so critical - even if you're earning under the SGA limit, you still need to report all work activity to SSA.
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Gabriel Freeman
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between retirement benefits and SSDI regarding work and earnings: 1. For retirement benefits before Full Retirement Age (FRA): - In 2025, if you earn over $22,560/year, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 above this limit - In the year you reach FRA, the limit is higher ($59,520) with $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit - After FRA, no earnings limits apply 2. For SSDI: - No gradual reduction - it's based on Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold of $1,550/month in 2025 - Trial Work Period (TWP): 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) when you can earn ANY amount without affecting benefits - Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): 36-month period after TWP where benefits are paid for months earnings are below SGA - Expedited Reinstatement: If benefits end due to work but you become unable to work again within 5 years, you can request reinstatement without a new application SSA also has work incentives specifically for SSDI recipients like Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) deductions and subsidized employment considerations that can help you stay under the SGA threshold even with higher gross earnings.
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Lola Perez
•This is incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Extended Period of Eligibility or the Expedited Reinstatement options. I'm most worried about trying work and then having my condition flare up again and being stuck without benefits. I think I'll try to find some very part-time work well under that SGA limit to be safe. Thanks for breaking this all down!
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Santiago Diaz
I'm on SSDI too and was confused about this. So if I understand right from the other comments, as long as I don't make more than $1550 a month, my SSDI check stays the same? No reductions or anything? That seems too simple lol
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Gabriel Freeman
•Yes, that's essentially correct - as long as you're past your Trial Work Period, your SSDI remains unchanged if you earn below the SGA limit. But you MUST report all work activity to SSA, even if it's below SGA. Also, be aware that certain deductions can apply to your earnings (like Impairment-Related Work Expenses) that might allow you to actually earn more than the SGA amount in gross income while remaining eligible. It's simple in concept but complex in execution, which is why so many people get confused!
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Debra Bai
Does anybody know if they count investment income for this sga thing? I have a small inheritance invested and wonder if dividends count against me
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Good question! Investment income like dividends, interest, and rental income doesn't count toward SGA. The SGA limit only applies to earnings from work activity. Your passive investment income won't affect your SSDI eligibility, though it could potentially impact SSI benefits if you were receiving those as well (which have asset and income limits).
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KaiEsmeralda
dont waste ur time calling local offices they never answer...use the 800 number
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Lola Perez
•I've tried the 800 number too, got disconnected after waiting 40+ minutes. So frustrating!
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Nathaniel Stewart
One additional important note: If you do start working, even part-time and under the SGA limit, be sure to report your work activity to Social Security right away. Not reporting work is one of the most common reasons people end up with overpayments they have to pay back. You can report changes in work status through your my Social Security account online, by mail, or by phone. Also, if you're interested in returning to work, look into the Ticket to Work program. It provides free employment support services and additional protections for your benefits while you test your ability to work.
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Lola Perez
•Thank you for mentioning the Ticket to Work program - I've never heard of that! I'll definitely look into it. And I'll be sure to report anything right away if I do start working. Really appreciate all the helpful advice here.
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Santiago Diaz
•I tried Ticket to Work last year. Some of the employment networks are better than others, so interview a few before picking one. Mine helped me find a work-from-home job that accommodates my disability.
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