If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, those disability benefits are probably very helpful to you financially during a difficult time. Understandably, you most likely want to do all you can to ensure that you continue receiving those benefits for as long as you need them. Sometimes, though, this raises some questions. For example – what if you believe you may be able to return to work part-time? Will doing so mean that your benefits will be terminated? Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
What is the SGA Limit?
As most people who receive disability benefits know, to receive those benefits, you must be unable to work and earn an income as you normally would. The Social Security Administration often refers to working and earning an income as engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” As a general rule, an individual earning above a certain monthly limit established by the Social Security Administration (after subtracting work expenses necessary to accommodate the disability) is considered to be engaging in SGA. This limit will often change annually. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1600 a month for non-blind people and $2700 a month for blind people.
Although earning above the SGA will affect entitlement to benefits as a general rule, the good news is that this doesn’t happen immediately. In fact, the Social Security Administration makes some exceptions to this rule and offers some incentives for those initially attempting to return to work.
Why Attempt to Return to Work?
Often, people who are considering a return to work wonder if it is worth it to do so. That’s an understandable question to ask. The good news is that the Social Security Administration wants to encourage disabled individuals to return to work if possible and offers incentives to encourage them to do so. Two of the most popular incentives include:
- Trial Work Period: As it sounds, a trial work period is exactly that – an opportunity for one who receives disability benefits to attempt a return to work for a certain period without having their benefits interrupted. Generally, the trial work period lasts approximately nine months – although those nine months do not need to be consecutive. During those nine months, there is no limit on the amount of income that can be earned. After the trial work period has ended, an individual may continue to work for another period of time known as the “extended period of eligibility,” which usually lasts for around 36 months. During that time, the SGA limit will apply, but those who do not earn income equivalent to the SGA in a given month can still receive their disability benefits.
- Ticket-to-Work Program: The Ticket-to-Work program is a free program that the Social Security Administration offers to incentivize those who are disabled and between the ages of 18 and 64 to attempt to return to work, if possible. Those who participate in the Ticket-to-Work program receive a variety of resources and forms of assistance with attempting to return to work. While an individual participates in the program, they can typically continue receiving their disability benefits in the full amount. Those who want to learn more about the Ticket-to-Work program can visit the website www.choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket-to-Work helpline at 1–866–968–7842.
While these are two of the most popular incentives offered, various other benefits may be available depending on your particular circumstances. Consulting with an attorney regarding your situation and the best options available is always a wise decision.
What Should You Do If Your Benefits Are Terminated?
If you are attempting a return to work and your benefits are terminated unexpectedly, you may feel panicked, and that’s understandable. If you have been working for a significant amount of time and earning over the income limit, your benefits may have been appropriately terminated. If not, however, it’s possible that a mistake was made. If that’s the case, it’s important to take action quickly. You may have grounds to appeal the decision, but you will typically have 60 days to do so, and you will need to consult an attorney who knows and understands the law. At Muse Disability, we’re here to help.
MUSE DISABILITY – HERE FOR YOU
For most disabled individuals, disability benefits are an essential source of financial support and security during a difficult time. At Muse Disability, we understand that. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you pursue the benefits you need and deserve and to help you protect those benefits once you have them. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’ll fight for you each step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.