The Social Security Administration (SSA) claims that it depends. For example, if you are on SSDI and you are enjoying the trial work period, believe it or not, there are no limits on your work earnings. However, things are completely different during the 36-month extended period of eligibility.
In general, if you are on SSDI and you are taking advantage of the extended period, your earnings must be at the SGA level. SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity.
What is the SGA level for SSDI in 2024 and 2025?
Through December 31, 2024, the Substantial Gainful Activity limit is $1,550 per month. In one year, that amounts to $18,600. If you exceed that limit per month, your Social Security Disability Insurance payments will stop.
This SGA limit is much higher if you are a blind person. For example, it is $2,590 in 2024. After the latest COLA Fact Sheet was unveiled, SSDI recipients can learn about their SGA limit for 2025.
The upcoming SGA limits for SSDI recipients will be $1,620 in 2025. Blind people will also have a higher limit, up to $2,700 per month in 2025. To know if you complete a Trial Work Month, SSA has set the new limit for 2025 at $1,160, up from $1,110 per month in 2024.
What happens if I lose my job during the trial work period for SSDI?
Do not worry because Social Security claims that if you lose your job during the trial work periods, your SSDI benefits will not be affected at all. It is important to call SSA if you lose your job while you are enjoying the 36-month extended period of eligibility.
Once you call SSA, they will reinstate your SSDI benefit as long as you still have a qualifying disability. It is true that work income can cause your Supplemental Security Income benefits to stop. Nevertheless, your Medicare coverage will go on until you reach a specific level. It depends on the State where you live.