Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis | December 30, 2025 | Personal Injury
Many people receiving Social Security disability benefits due to injuries want to work but worry about losing their payments. The good news is that the Social Security Administration allows some work activity while receiving benefits. However, there are limits on how much you can earn.
For Lima, Ohio, residents on disability, understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions about returning to work without jeopardizing your benefits.
Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
A person may be disabled because of a work injury, illness, medical condition, or other personal injury. If so, they may be eligible for Social Security disability if they meet the SGA requirements.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether a person is eligible for disability benefits based on their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The number of hours you work does not factor into SGA. Instead, it is based on your earnings.
If your monthly earnings exceed a specific amount, you are engaging in a substantial gainful activity. You may not be eligible for disability benefits.
The monthly SGA amount is adjusted based on the national average wage index. For 2026, the SGA amount for a non-blind individual is $1,690. For a blind person, the SGA for 2026 is $2,830.
SSDI Work Rules
A person receiving SSDI benefits may participate in a trial work period to determine whether they can earn a sufficient income to support themselves. During the trial period, they are still considered disabled. Work during the trial period does not end disability until the person is able to perform an SGA for 9 months during 60 consecutive months. The 9 months do not need to be consecutive.
The monthly amount earned must meet a specific amount to trigger a trial work period. For 2026, the amount is $1,210. Therefore, suppose you worked during November 2025 and earned $950. The SSA would not consider you to have met the requirements for a trial work period.
However, suppose your earnings were $1,300. In that case, the SSA would initiate a trial work period. Once you complete 9 months of earnings above the threshold, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility, during which your benefits stop for any month you earn at or above SGA.
Hours vs. Earnings: What Really Matters
The SSA focuses on earnings, not hours. Someone working 30 hours at minimum wage may stay under SGA. On the other hand, someone working 15 hours at high wages may exceed it.
For instance, suppose someone works 25 hours per week for minimum wage. The minimum wage in Ohio is $11 as of January 1, 2026. Their gross monthly earnings would be approximately $1,100. They would earn below the monthly amount to trigger a trial work period.
However, suppose someone works 10 hours a week for $35 per hour. They would earn approximately $1,400 per month, triggering a trial work period.
SSI Work Rules
SSI uses a different calculation to determine if you earn enough money to terminate SSI benefits. The SSA first excludes $20 of any income. Then, it excludes an additional $65 of earned income (totaling $85 excluded before calculating the benefit reduction).
After these exclusions, benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 earned.
Work Incentive Programs for Individuals Receiving SSDI or SSI Benefits
The SSA encourages individuals receiving disability income to work if possible. The government has initiated several work incentive programs that assist individuals in returning to the workforce.
Work incentive programs include, but are not limited to:
- Extended period of eligibility: If you receive SSDI and complete a trial work period, the SSA can reinstate benefits without a new application for any months your earnings fall below the SGA level. The extension lasts for 36 months following the end of the trial work period. You must still have a disabling impairment for the extension to apply.
- Ticket to Work program: The Ticket to Work program is free and available to people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits. The program provides resources and support to help individuals meet their work goals.
- PASS plans: PASS plans apply to SSI benefits. The SSA does not count certain income or resources you use to reach a work goal. For example, the SSA may not count money you set aside for work training or education. Having an approved PASS plan could help you meet SSI eligibility requirements or increase your SSI benefits.
- IRWE (impairment-related work expenses): The SSA deducts the cost of certain impairment-related expenses you need to work from your earnings. These deductions can lower your earnings so they fall below the SGA level. Examples include specialized work equipment, certain transportation costs, and wheelchairs.
Work incentive programs are designed to reduce the financial risk of attempting to return to work while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.
Legal Guidance in Lima Can Help You Navigate Disability
Working while receiving disability benefits can raise important questions about eligibility, income limits, and reporting requirements. Legal guidance in Lima can help you understand how work activity affects your SSDI or SSI benefits, avoid costly mistakes, and address any issues with the Social Security Administration.
If you were injured in an accident in Ohio and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to schedule a free case review today.
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