Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in Virginia?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/15/2025

Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in Virginia? In Virginia, SSDI benefits can be affected if you return to work, but they are not automatically taken away. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether your earnings demonstrate that you can engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your work income exceeds the SSA’s monthly SGA limit, your benefits could be suspended or stopped. However, certain work incentives and trial work periods can allow you to earn income without immediately losing your SSDI eligibility.

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Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA defines SGA as work that earns more than a specific amount monthly:

  • 2024 SGA limit: Earnings above $1,470 per month (non-blind) may jeopardize benefits.
  • Income below this threshold usually does not trigger benefit stoppage.
Trial Work Period (TWP) in Virginia

This period lets you test your ability to work while keeping SSDI:

  • TWP lasts 9 months during a 60-month window.
  • Earnings over $1,050 monthly count as trial work months.
  • During TWP, you continue to receive full benefits regardless of earnings.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After TWP ends, EPE provides additional protection:

  • Lasts 36 months to reinstate benefits without a new application.
  • Benefits continue if earnings stay below SGA.
  • Benefits stop if you earn above SGA during EPE months.
Work Incentives to Protect SSDI

Virginia SSDI recipients can use SSA work incentives like:

  • Blind work expenses deducted from earnings if applicable.
  • Impairment-related work expenses that reduce countable income.
  • Expedited reinstatement options if benefits stop due to work.
Reporting Work Activity

To avoid improper benefit payments, you must:

  • Report all work and earnings promptly to SSA.
  • Keep detailed records of income and work hours.
Consequences of Not Following Rules

Failing to report can lead to:

  • Overpayments that must be repaid.
  • Potential benefit termination or legal issues.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we guide Virginia SSDI recipients on how returning to work may impact their benefits by:

  • Explaining SSA’s work incentives and how to take advantage of them to protect your benefits.
  • Assisting with reporting work activity accurately to prevent overpayment and benefit disruptions.
  • Evaluating your earnings to determine if you qualify for trial work periods and extended eligibility.
  • Providing expert advice on how to manage SSDI while transitioning back to employment safely.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you're concerned about whether SSDI benefits can be taken away when you return to work in Virginia, contact Hogan Smith now for a free consultation. Our skilled team will help you understand your rights, navigate SSA rules, and maximize your benefits while working.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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