Picture this: You’re sitting at your kitchen table, bills spread out, calculator in hand. You’re on disability, and you keep asking yourself, “How much money can I make on disability before I lose my benefits?” If you’ve ever felt that knot in your stomach, you’re not alone. The rules around working while on disability can feel like a maze, but there’s a way through. Let’s break it down, step by step, with real numbers and honest advice.
Why the Rules Matter: The Stakes of Earning on Disability
If you rely on disability benefits, every dollar you earn matters. Earn too much, and you risk losing your monthly check. Earn too little, and you might struggle to cover groceries or rent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets strict limits, but there’s more flexibility than most people realize. Here’s the part nobody tells you: You can work, but you need to know the exact numbers and how they apply to your situation.
Types of Disability Benefits: SSDI vs. SSI
First, let’s get specific. There are two main types of federal disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Each program has different rules about how much money you can make on disability. Let’s look at both.
How Much Money Can I Make on SSDI?
With SSDI, the magic number is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,550 per month for most people. If you’re blind, it’s $2,590. If you earn more than SGA, the SSA may decide you’re not disabled anymore. But here’s a twist: You get a “trial work period.”
- Trial Work Period: You can earn any amount for nine months (not necessarily in a row) without losing benefits. In 2025, any month you make over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
- Extended Period of Eligibility: After your trial work period, you get 36 months where you can still get benefits for any month your earnings fall below SGA.
So, how much money can you make on disability with SSDI? For nine months, as much as you want. After that, stay under $1,550 per month to keep your check coming. If you go over, you risk losing benefits for that month.
How Much Money Can I Make on SSI?
SSI is stricter. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943 per month for individuals. But SSI counts most of your income against your benefit. Here’s how it works:
- The first $20 of any income doesn’t count.
- The next $65 of earned income doesn’t count.
- After that, SSI subtracts 50 cents for every dollar you earn from work.
Let’s say you get a part-time job and earn $500 a month. SSI ignores the first $85 ($20 + $65), leaving $415. They subtract half of that ($207.50) from your SSI check. So, your new SSI payment would be $943 – $207.50 = $735.50. You’d have $500 from work plus $735.50 from SSI, for a total of $1,235.50. Not bad, right?
What Counts as Income?
Here’s where people trip up. The SSA counts more than just your paycheck. They look at:
- Wages from a job
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses, commissions, and tips
- Free food or shelter (for SSI)
They don’t count things like food stamps, most tax refunds, or small gifts from friends. But if you’re unsure, check the SSA’s official list or talk to a benefits counselor.
What Happens If You Go Over the Limit?
If you earn too much, the SSA may stop your benefits. But it’s not always permanent. For SSDI, you can get benefits reinstated if your earnings drop again within five years. For SSI, you can reapply if your income falls below the limit. The key is to report your earnings every month. If you don’t, you could owe money back—nobody wants that surprise.
Real Stories: Mistakes, Lessons, and Surprises
Let’s get real. I once talked to a woman named Lisa who started a side hustle selling crafts online. She didn’t realize her PayPal deposits counted as income. After a year, she got a letter from SSA saying she owed $3,000. She felt embarrassed and overwhelmed. Her lesson? Always report every dollar, even if it seems small. The SSA isn’t out to get you, but they do expect honesty.
On the flip side, I met a guy named Mike who used the trial work period to test a new job. He made $2,000 a month for six months, kept his SSDI, and realized he could handle more work than he thought. He eventually left disability behind. Sometimes, the system gives you a safety net to try new things.
Who Should Work While on Disability?
If you’re stable, want extra income, and can handle part-time work, it’s worth considering. If your health is unpredictable or you’re worried about losing medical coverage, go slow. The rules are strict, but they’re not impossible. The biggest mistake? Not knowing the numbers or being afraid to ask questions.
Action Steps: How to Stay Safe and Maximize Your Income
- Track your earnings every month. Use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet.
- Report all income to SSA, even if it’s small or irregular.
- Ask about work incentives like PASS plans or Ticket to Work.
- Talk to a benefits counselor before starting a new job or side hustle.
- Keep all letters and pay stubs for your records.
Here’s why: The more you know, the more control you have. The SSA isn’t trying to trip you up, but the rules are strict. If you’re proactive, you can avoid nasty surprises and maybe even boost your total income.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Earning on Disability
If you’ve ever wondered, “How much money can I make on disability?”—the answer is, it depends. For SSDI, stay under $1,550 a month after your trial work period. For SSI, expect your check to shrink as you earn more, but you can still come out ahead. The system isn’t perfect, but it’s not a dead end. If you’re careful, honest, and a little bit bold, you can make work work for you—even on disability.