Working While on SSDI: What Alaska Recipients Must Know

Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not automatically mean you can never work again. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established specific rules that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to return to employment without immediately losing benefits. Understanding these rules is critical for Alaska residents who want to supplement their income, re-enter the workforce gradually, or simply maintain a sense of purpose through part-time work.

The rules governing work and SSDI are layered and unforgiving if misunderstood. A misstep — even an innocent one — can trigger an overpayment demand or termination of benefits. This guide explains what Alaska SSDI recipients need to know before accepting any paycheck.

The Substantial Gainful Activity Threshold

The cornerstone of SSDI work rules is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SSA defines SGA as performing significant physical or mental work for pay or profit. In 2025, the monthly SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620. For individuals who are statutorily blind, that limit is higher at $2,700 per month.

If your gross monthly earnings consistently exceed the SGA threshold, the SSA may determine you are no longer disabled and terminate your SSDI benefits. Earnings below the SGA limit generally will not disqualify you, but they must still be reported promptly. In Alaska, where the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, the SGA limit can feel limiting — but it is a federal standard applied uniformly regardless of state.

It is important to understand that SGA applies to net earnings after certain deductions — including impairment-related work expenses — which can reduce your countable income. We will cover those deductions below.

The Trial Work Period: Your Protected Window to Try

Before the SSA can stop your benefits based on work activity, you are entitled to a Trial Work Period (TWP). The TWP gives SSDI recipients nine months — which do not have to be consecutive — within a rolling 60-month window to test whether they can return to substantial employment, all while continuing to receive full SSDI payments.

In 2025, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month. This is a lower bar than the SGA limit. Once you use all nine trial work months, the SSA evaluates your work activity to determine if you are performing SGA. If you are, your benefits are subject to termination after a three-month grace period.

For Alaska workers in seasonal industries — fishing, tourism, construction — the trial work period structure can be strategically important. A short-term high-earning season may consume trial work months quickly. Tracking which months have been used is your responsibility, not the SSA's.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses and Other Deductions

Alaska SSDI recipients who work can reduce their countable earnings by deducting Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). These are costs you pay out of pocket for items or services that are necessary for you to work due to your disability.

Common IRWE examples include:

• Prescription medications required to manage your disabling condition
• Adaptive equipment such as specialized tools, wheelchairs, or hearing devices
• Transportation costs related to your impairment, such as accessible cab services unavailable via public transit
• Attendant care services needed at the workplace
• Medical devices like CPAP machines or prosthetics

In rural Alaska, where accessible transportation and adaptive services are limited and often more expensive, IRWEs can be substantial. Documenting every expense with receipts and medical justification is essential. The SSA does not automatically apply these deductions — you must request them and provide supporting documentation.

Subsidies are another often-overlooked deduction. If your employer pays you more than the reasonable value of your work — common in supported employment settings — the SSA may deduct the subsidy amount from your countable wages.

Reporting Requirements: Do Not Skip This Step

One of the most common — and costly — mistakes SSDI recipients make is failing to report work activity promptly. You are legally required to report all work and earnings to the SSA, regardless of the amount. This includes:

• Starting a new job, even part-time or seasonal
• Changes in hours or pay rate
• Self-employment income, including gig work and subsistence activities that generate income
• Stopping work

In Alaska, subsistence-based income — such as selling fish, game, or crafts — can create complicated reporting situations. Even if amounts seem minor, the SSA may treat recurring income as self-employment. Failure to report can result in an overpayment, which the SSA will demand repayment of, sometimes years after the fact and in lump sums that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Report work activity by contacting your local Social Security office, calling the SSA's national line at 1-800-772-1213, or using your My Social Security online account. Always get confirmation in writing and keep copies of every submission.

The Ticket to Work Program and Extended Protections

The SSA's Ticket to Work (TTW) program offers an additional layer of protection for SSDI recipients who want to work toward self-sufficiency. By assigning your Ticket to an approved Employment Network or your state's vocational rehabilitation agency, you can access free job training and career services while also suspending certain continuing disability reviews during your participation.

Alaska's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is an approved state agency under the Ticket to Work program. Alaska DVR serves individuals across the state, including those in remote communities, through regional offices and distance services. Participating in TTW does not guarantee protection from all benefit consequences, but it does signal good-faith effort to the SSA and can temporarily shield your record from certain reviews.

After your trial work period ends, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) begins. During this window, if your earnings drop below the SGA level in any month, you can receive SSDI benefits for that month without reapplying. This safety net is particularly valuable in Alaska's volatile employment market, where seasonal layoffs are common.

Medicare coverage adds another layer of protection: SSDI recipients generally retain Medicare for at least 93 months after the end of the trial work period, even if cash benefits have stopped. Given Alaska's high healthcare costs and limited provider access in many regions, maintaining Medicare during a work attempt can be critically important.

Working while receiving SSDI is possible, but the rules demand careful navigation. Earning even one dollar over the SGA limit in the wrong month can have serious consequences if you are not protected by a trial work month or another applicable provision. Before accepting any employment — whether a seasonal fishing job in Kodiak, part-time retail work in Anchorage, or remote contract work — consult with an attorney who understands SSDI regulations and how they apply to your specific record.

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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