If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Virginia, you may wonder whether it’s possible to work part-time without losing your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does allow limited work activity, but strict rules apply. Understanding these guidelines will help you avoid problems with your SSDI payments.
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The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit
The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if someone is “disabled” under their rules.
- In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals.
- If your monthly earnings stay below the SGA limit, you can usually continue receiving SSDI while working part-time.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
SSDI also offers a Trial Work Period, which allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving benefits.
- Any month you earn over $1,110 (2025 threshold) counts as a trial work month.
- You get 9 trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
- During this period, you can earn more than the SGA limit without losing benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After the trial work period, the SSA provides a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
- During the EPE, you’ll still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below SGA.
- If your earnings are above SGA, benefits may be suspended for that month.
Risks of Working Part-Time on SSDI
While part-time work is allowed, there are risks:
- The SSA may review your case to see if your ability to work has improved.
- Inconsistent income reporting could lead to overpayments that you must repay.
- Exceeding limits could cause your SSDI benefits to stop.
Reporting Requirements
If you work part-time in Virginia while on SSDI, you must:
- Report all earnings to the SSA promptly
- Keep pay stubs and employment records
- Update the SSA about changes in hours or pay
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Virginia residents on SSDI understand the rules about part-time work. Our team can:
- Review your income to make sure it stays within SSA limits
- Advise you on trial work periods and extended eligibility
- Communicate with the SSA on your behalf to prevent overpayments
- Protect your benefits while you explore part-time employment
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re considering part-time work while receiving SSDI in Virginia, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the SSA’s rules, help you avoid mistakes, and ensure your benefits remain secure.
Further Reading
Updated February 10, 2025
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