How Much Money Can I Make on Social Security Disability Income?

If you receive disability benefits from Social Security, you can earn some income and still stay eligible for benefits. In fact, the Social Security Administration has special programs just for people who want to try working again after receiving disability payments.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a type of disability insurance provided by the Social Security Administration. To be eligible for SSDI, you must work at a job and pay into the Social Security system for a prescribed number of years: The years you must work to be eligible for SSDI depend on your age, but 10 years is the maximum required work period. You must also be completely and permanently disabled, unable to both perform your previous job or to obtain new employment because of your disability.

SSDI and Working

If you currently receive SSDI benefits, you can earn some money from work, but the law limits the amount you can earn each month. However, if you participate in the Social Security "Ticket to Work" program, you can preserve your eligibility for benefits while you work. In some cases, Social Security may deduct disability-related work and transportation expenses your work earnings so that you can continue to receive SSDI benefits.

Earnings Limitations

If you are not blind, you can earn up to $1,000 per month (as of 2010) and still be eligible for SSDI. If you are blind, your earnings cap is $1,640 (in 2010). These earnings limitations can change annually, so it is a good idea to clarify earnings limits with your caseworker or by visiting the Social Security Administration's website.

Warning

Even if your earnings are under $1,000 per month, you must still report all income earned through work to the Social Security Administration. If you don't report your income, you risk possibly losing some or all of your benefits.

References

• Social Security Online: Disability Benefits
• Social Security Online: Working While Disabled---How We Can Help
• Social Security Online: Earnings limit to receive Social Security Disability Benefits
• Social Security Online: Update 2010
• Social Security Online: What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits

Resources

• Social Security Online: Disability Benefits
• Social Security Online: Earnings Limit to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits
• Social Security Online: What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits