What happens if I work while receiving benefits from Social Security?


Social Security work incentives, as well as the new Ticket to Work program, support your efforts to re-enter the workforce. There are two time periods the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses when you start earning income while remaining disabled according to Social Security rules. They are called the Trial Work Period and the Extended Period of Eligibility. These are time periods that will allow you to earn income and maintain your benefit eligibility. As you consider working, there are a few definitions to keep in mind:

  • SSA defines disability as an inability to work because of a disabling condition that will continue for at least one year.

Therefore, your disability will be questioned if you work during the first year of receiving disability benefits.

  • SSA defines work as any activity that generates earned income.
  • SSA defines earned income as the gross (before taxes) amount of income that you receive.

You are required to report all of your gross income to Social Security to avoid overpayments. If you are self-employed, you can report earnings based on your most recent IRS tax return. You can report earnings promptly to the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (voice) or 800-325-0778 (TTY).

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