For folks in California on SSDI or SSI, the idea of being able to return to work can bring about feelings of both hope and concern. You may be excited at the prospect of being able to get back to work and earn an income while also gaining a feeling of overall independence. On the flip side, there are strict guidelines on how much you can earn while still receiving benefits, and many folks will wonder, “How can I work without losing my disability benefits?”
Understanding Your Disability Benefits
1.24 million people in California rely on SSI alone, which does not account for the number of people relying on other Social Security benefits such as SSDI or SNAP. Many of these individuals might wonder if they are able to return to some form of work without losing their benefits. The short answer, in most cases, is yes. However, each case is unique and comes with vital conditions that must be followed.
Understanding these conditions will help avoid any risks of losing your disability benefits. The main components when it comes to understanding your disability benefits include:
- SSI and SSDI. When you are enrolled in either disability benefit program, you can work. However, your benefits may be completely terminated or reduced if your income from work exceeds a certain amount.
- SGA. Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, can come into play should you begin earning an income that is above certain set thresholds, as this will impact your ability to receive certain benefits.
- Trial work period. This can allow you to test your ability to return to work without losing your necessary and deserved SSDI benefits. Typically, for individuals looking to work while on disability, they are able to return to work for at least 9 months and still receive their full disability payments during their trial work period.
- Available programs. Programs such as Ticket to Work and other similar programs can offer you support and training to help ensure you are prepared for work after disability.
While working on disability benefits can seem overwhelming and near impossible, understanding what it all entails and the guidelines involved can prove beneficial. For most folks in California, you can expect monthly SSI or SSDI payments to be between $600 and $900, depending on your age and disability type. These payments, while incredibly helpful, do not always cover the full costs necessary to maintain an adequate lifestyle.
Thankfully, you do maintain your ability to work, just with certain restrictions, and a disability attorney can help you better understand these restrictions and how they apply to your case.
Whether you live in Yuba County or in Los Angeles, you will need to report your earnings to the SSA to continue receiving your SSI or SSDI payments. Failure to do so can result in you being overpaid, which might require you to then pay back the SSA, or even have your benefits terminated. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to report your earnings through the SSA’s online system, by phone, or in person.
Hire a Disability Lawyer
At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we are here to answer that question. We have been helping clients just like yourself get the necessary Social Security benefits they need for over 30 years, and now we are ready to turn our time and attention to you. With a strong track record of success, our team is ready to fight to get you the legal compensation you require and help you determine whether or not you will be able to return to work and still achieve disability benefits.
FAQs
Q: What Can Cause You to Lose Your Social Security Disability Benefits?
A: There are several factors that could lead to you losing out on your Social Security disability benefits. These include situations where your current income exceeds the limitations set for SSI or SSDI by the SSA, cases where your medical condition has improved and you are no longer in need of benefits, or in situations where you have completed a Trial Work Period successfully.
Q: How Many Hours Can I Work While on Disability?
A: When you are considering any kind of work while you are on disability, the focus tends to be more on income rather than hours. In most cases, you will need to ensure that you stay within the Substantial Gainful Activity limits per the SSA to maintain your benefits. As of 2025, for blind individuals, the SGA amount is limited to $2,700 a month, whereas the SGA for non-blind individuals is $1,620.
Q: What Disabilities Are Usually Covered by the SSA?
A: The most common disability covered by the SSA when it comes to Social Security benefits, such as SSI or SSDI, is conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system. These conditions typically include issues like arthritis, chronic back pain, or degenerative disc disease, as all these conditions directly impact your ability to move and take care of certain kinds of employment duties.
Q: Is it Important to Report My Income in Order to Maintain Benefits?
A: It is very important that you accurately report your income, as this will be crucial to maintaining your necessary benefits. It is vital that you keep records of all your monthly earnings and any expenses that are related to your work. You will also want to notify the SSA if there are any changes to your income, as this can help avoid potential penalties or overpayments.
California Disability Lawyer
Working while still receiving your Social Security benefits is possible requires an awareness of the rules and regulations as well as careful planning. At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we are here to help you understand the rules surrounding Social Security benefits and getting back to work so that you can balance a healthy, independent lifestyle with financial stability. If you are feeling confused regarding your situation, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
