Being disabled can be expensive. The great news is that Social Security insurance (SSDI) benefits have risen by 8.7%. We at Marken Law will explore how much money you can make on SSDI benefits this 2023.

What is Substantial Gainful Activity, and How Does it Affect Your SSDI Benefits?

If you make more money than $1,470 (or $2,460 for the visually impaired) monthly, the SSA (Social Security Administration) will identify you as having Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This limit means SSA has marked you as independent enough to make a living without needing benefits. 

How Much Money Can You Earn on SSDI?

The SGA does not include income streams that are not directly from employment. These income streams include investments, your spouse’s income, and other assets. 

For example, you earn below $1,400 as a contractual freelancer with a disability. But you have added financial support from your monthly dividends. SSA will not count those dividends. They will only consider your wages as a contractual freelancer and qualify you for SSDI benefits. 

Can You Still Receive my SSDI Benefits if my Income Surpasses the SGA?

Yes, you can still receive your SSDI benefits within a Trial Work Period (TWP). This period is the first nine months you earn above the SGA amount. 

TWP only counts the months you earned above SGA. You can subtract expenses related to your disability from your earnings to determine your monthly income.

If you earned $1,500 a month and paid $35 for monthly adaptive equipment, your actual earning is $1,465. Therefore, you will not enter TWP.

However, what if you get a raise and earn $1,600 for one month? After you pay $35 for your monthly adaptive equipment, you will still have $1,565. That is more than the SGA limit. Your income then counts as one month of TWP. 

But if your income drops below $1,470, it will not be counted as another month of TWP.

During the nine months of earning above the SGA, you’ll continue receiving your SSDI. However, when TWP ends, and you still make above the SGA, the SSA will consider you no longer disabled, and your SSDI payments will stop. 

But depending on your case, TWP can be extended. 

What Other Reasons Your SSDI Benefits Might Stop?

There are other scenarios when your SSDI benefits discontinue. For example, some scenarios related to the age limit:

• You reach retirement age at 66. You’re eligible for Social Security retirement benefits instead.
• You’re a dependent who turned 18. Suppose you receive benefits as a dependent minor. Once you turn 18, the benefits may stop.

Another factor when your SSDI benefits may change is if you get incarcerated:

• Charged with a misdemeanor. Your benefits may continue unless you are imprisoned for 30 days or more. The good news is that it will continue a month after your release. However, your case may differ if you participate in a Rehabilitation program.
• Charged with a felony but was not incarcerated. Your SSDI may be canceled. 

How Can You Maintain Your SSDI Benefits?

To maintain your SSDI benefits, always maintain contact with:

• Your Doctor. Having as many regular checkups with your doctor as possible will help confirm that you still have a disability. 
• The SSA. Notifying them of changes to your circumstances will allow them to instruct you on keeping your benefits.

For example, if you get a job without notifying the SSA first, they may consider you no longer disabled. They will then schedule a re-examination of your SSDI qualifications or cancel your benefits. 

Will the Income Limit for SSDI Affect my SSI? 

While SSDI is based on disability and work credits, Social Security Income (SSI) is based on age or disability with limited income and resources.

The answer will vary from person to person. Whether you qualify for SSD and/or SSI will depend on the nature of your disability and income. We advise you to qualify and find out rather than never trying at all. 

Do I Qualify for SSDI and SSI Benefits?

SSDI benefits have increased by 8.7% this 2023. This is excellent news for people with disabilities who need government support. However, an advocate can make a difference in qualifying for your needed benefits. 

Here at Marken Law, we present our clients’ cases and file the paperwork. To get the benefits you deserve, please check out Marken Law