Can I Work While on SSDI in Washington State?

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients wonder whether they can supplement their disability benefits with income from work. The answer is yes, but with important limitations and rules you must follow. Understanding these regulations is crucial to protecting your benefits while exploring your ability to work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that some individuals receiving SSDI may want to test their ability to work or may be able to perform limited work activities despite their disabilities. The agency has established specific programs and thresholds to accommodate this situation while protecting both the integrity of the disability program and the financial security of beneficiaries.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The cornerstone of SSDI work rules revolves around the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This is the key measure the SSA uses to determine whether your work activity is significant enough to affect your disability status.

For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for those who are statutorily blind. These figures are adjusted annually for inflation. If you earn more than the SGA threshold, the SSA generally considers you capable of substantial gainful activity, which could jeopardize your SSDI benefits.

However, the SSA does not count all income toward SGA. When calculating whether your earnings exceed the threshold, the agency may exclude:

• Impairment-related work expenses (IRWE) such as specialized equipment or medications required for you to work
• Subsidies from employers who pay you more than the actual value of your work
• Unincurred business expenses if you are self-employed
• Income from sources other than employment

In Washington State, as in all states, these federal SGA limits apply uniformly. The cost of living in cities like Seattle or Spokane does not affect these thresholds, as they are set at the federal level.

The Trial Work Period: Testing Your Ability to Work

The SSA provides a safety net called the Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without risking your benefits. This provision recognizes that determining your work capacity may require experimentation.

During your TWP, you will receive your full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment. The nine months do not need to be consecutive; the TWP continues until you have accumulated nine months within a rolling 60-month period.

For 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 or work more than 80 self-employed hours counts as a trial work month. Once you complete your nine trial work months, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility, during which different rules apply.

Washington residents should carefully track their work hours and earnings during this period. Maintaining detailed records protects you if questions arise later about when your trial work months occurred.

The Extended Period of Eligibility

After completing your Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, you will receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA level, and you will not receive benefits for months your earnings exceed SGA.

This creates a safety net that allows you to continue working while maintaining eligibility for benefits during months when your disability prevents you from earning above the SGA threshold. If your medical condition causes you to reduce or stop working during the EPE, your benefits can be reinstated immediately without filing a new application.

After the 36-month EPE ends, if you are still working above SGA levels, your benefits will terminate. However, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement if you stop working within five years due to your disability.

Special Considerations for Washington State Workers

While SSDI is a federal program with uniform rules across all states, Washington residents should be aware of several state-specific factors:

Washington's minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, currently $16.28 per hour in 2024. This means that even part-time work at minimum wage could quickly approach or exceed SGA limits. A person working just 25 hours per week at minimum wage would earn approximately $1,757 per month, exceeding the non-blind SGA threshold.

Washington also offers robust state-level disability resources and vocational rehabilitation services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). SSDI recipients interested in returning to work should consider contacting DVR, as services obtained through vocational rehabilitation agencies may qualify as impairment-related work expenses.

Additionally, Washington State's Ticket to Work program can provide employment support services, benefits counseling, and job placement assistance without affecting your SSDI benefits during the Trial Work Period.

Reporting Requirements and Protecting Your Benefits

The most critical obligation for SSDI recipients who work is reporting all work activity to the SSA. Failure to report work can result in overpayments that you must repay, penalties, or even fraud allegations.

You should report:

• When you start or stop working
• Changes in your work hours or duties
• Changes in your income
• Any work expenses related to your disability

Keep thorough documentation of all work activity, including pay stubs, tax returns, and records of work-related disability expenses. If you are self-employed, maintain detailed business records showing income and expenses.

Before beginning any work activity, consider requesting a benefits planning query from the SSA or consulting with a benefits planner. Understanding exactly how your proposed work will affect your benefits prevents costly mistakes.

Washington residents can access free benefits counseling through the Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPA&O) program, which has representatives familiar with both federal SSDI rules and Washington-specific resources.

Working while on SSDI is possible and can be beneficial for many individuals who want to test their work capacity or supplement their income. However, the rules are complex, and mistakes can be costly. Always report your work activity, track your earnings carefully, and seek guidance when unsure about how work will affect your benefits.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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