Direct answer
Can I work while on SSDI?
Yes — you can work while on SSDI, but if your monthly earnings exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold — $1,690 in 2026 for non-blind recipients — the SSA can end your benefits.
The SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) that lets recipients test working for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) without losing SSDI, regardless of earnings during those months. After the TWP, an Extended Period of Eligibility applies, during which benefits stop only in months earnings exceed SGA.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What is the earnings limit?
Earnings above the SGA limit ($1,690/month in 2026 for non-blind) can end SSDI.
What is the Trial Work Period?
A 9-month period (across a rolling 60-month window) when you can earn any amount without losing SSDI.
What happens after the Trial Work Period?
A 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility follows, where benefits pause only in months earnings exceed SGA.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.