Question By: The income limit for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) primarily depends on the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts generally disqualifies an individual from receiving SSDI benefits, as it indicates the ability to engage in substantial work.
However, there are additional nuances to consider. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows beneficiaries to attempt a return to work through the Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, individuals can work for nine months within a rolling 60-month period without losing benefits, regardless of how much they earn. For 2024, any month in which earnings exceed $1,050 counts as a TWP month.
After the TWP, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) begins. During the EPE, individuals can still receive benefits for any month their earnings are below the SGA level. If earnings exceed the SGA level in any month during this period, benefits are suspended but can be reinstated if earnings drop below the SGA limit again.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program, has different financial eligibility criteria. For SSI, the federal benefit rate in 2024 is $914 per month for individuals and $1,371 for couples, with income limits that vary based on living arrangements and state supplements. SSI also considers unearned income and resources, with a general resource limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
At Harold W. Conick & Associates, they understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in their community. Click here for more information: https://conicklaw.com/what-is-the-income-limit-for-social-security-disability/
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