Working Part Time While on Disability in Indiana
2/21/2026 | 1 min read
Working Part Time While on Disability in Indiana
Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients in Indiana wonder whether they can work part-time while receiving benefits. The short answer is yes, but with significant limitations and requirements. Understanding the rules governing work activity while on disability is crucial to avoid jeopardizing your benefits or facing overpayment demands from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The federal SSDI program operates uniformly across all states, including Indiana, though state-specific resources and support services may vary. This article examines the legal framework governing part-time work for SSDI beneficiaries, the substantial gainful activity threshold, trial work periods, and practical considerations for Indiana residents.
Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity
The Social Security Administration uses a measure called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether someone is engaging in significant work. For 2024, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If your earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA generally considers you capable of substantial gainful activity, which could result in termination of your benefits.
SGA calculations focus on gross earnings before taxes and deductions. However, the SSA does allow certain deductions that can reduce your countable income:
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Costs for items or services you need to work due to your disability, such as medications, medical devices, or assistive technology
- Subsidies and special conditions: If your employer provides special assistance or accommodations that reduce your productivity
- Unpaid help: Value of any assistance provided by others to help you perform your job
Indiana SSDI recipients should maintain detailed records of all work-related expenses and any workplace accommodations to support potential IRWE deductions.
The Trial Work Period Program
The SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. During a TWP, you can receive full SSDI benefits regardless of earnings level for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period. These months do not need to be consecutive.
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. This provision provides valuable flexibility for Indiana residents who want to attempt returning to work without risking immediate benefit termination.
After completing your trial work period, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) lasting 36 months. During the EPE, you receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA threshold. If your earnings exceed SGA, benefits stop for that month, but you can have them reinstated without filing a new application if your earnings drop below SGA again during the 36-month window.
Reporting Requirements and Compliance
SSDI beneficiaries who work part-time have strict reporting obligations. You must notify the Social Security Administration about:
- Any work activity, regardless of earnings amount
- Changes in work hours or job duties
- Changes in pay rate or salary
- Any work expenses related to your disability
Failure to report work activity promptly can result in overpayments, where the SSA determines you received benefits you were not entitled to receive. The agency can demand repayment of these amounts, sometimes years after the fact. Indiana residents facing overpayment notices have appeal rights and may request waivers in certain circumstances, but prevention through proper reporting is always preferable.
Report work activity to your local Indiana Social Security office immediately, preferably in writing. Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Evansville, and South Bend have SSA field offices, and you can also report changes online through your My Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Indiana-Specific Resources and Considerations
Indiana offers several programs that can support SSDI beneficiaries who want to work part-time:
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Indiana program provides services including job coaching, skills training, and assistive technology to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. Coordinating with VR services can strengthen your case that work expenses are disability-related and potentially increase your allowable IRWE deductions.
Indiana's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program offers free benefits counseling to SSDI recipients. WIPA counselors can help you understand how specific employment scenarios would affect your benefits, calculate SGA with applicable deductions, and develop a work plan that maximizes both earnings and benefit retention.
Additionally, Indiana participates in the Ticket to Work program, a voluntary SSA initiative that provides beneficiaries with free employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support to help them become financially independent. Participants receive continuing disability reviews protection while actively participating, reducing the risk of medical review during work attempts.
Practical Strategies for Part-Time Work
If you are considering part-time work while receiving SSDI in Indiana, several strategies can help protect your benefits:
Start with a benefits analysis: Before accepting any employment, consult with a WIPA counselor or disability attorney to analyze how the specific wages and hours would affect your benefits. This proactive step prevents costly mistakes.
Document everything: Keep meticulous records of your earnings, work hours, job duties, workplace accommodations, and any disability-related work expenses. This documentation becomes critical if questions arise about SGA calculations or IRWE deductions.
Use your trial work period strategically: The nine-month TWP provides valuable protection while you determine whether you can sustain employment. Understand when TWP months are triggered and plan accordingly.
Consider self-employment carefully: Self-employment creates additional complexity for SGA determinations. The SSA may evaluate both earnings and work hours, and proving business losses or reduced productivity due to disability becomes more challenging.
Maintain medical treatment: Continuing regular medical care and following treatment recommendations demonstrates ongoing disability and supports your eligibility if questions arise about your condition.
Working part-time while receiving SSDI benefits in Indiana requires careful navigation of complex federal regulations. The consequences of miscalculation or improper reporting can be severe, but the programs exist to encourage work attempts without immediately penalizing beneficiaries. Understanding SGA thresholds, utilizing trial work periods, claiming appropriate work expense deductions, and accessing Indiana support services can help you maximize both employment income and benefit protection.
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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