Working Part Time on SSDI in New York

Many Social Security Disability Insurance recipients in New York worry that any work activity will immediately end their benefits. The reality is more nuanced. The Social Security Administration has specific rules that allow SSDI recipients to test their ability to work without automatically losing their monthly payments. Understanding these rules can make the difference between a smooth return to the workforce and an unexpected overpayment demand.

The Trial Work Period: Your Protected Window

The Trial Work Period (TWP) is one of the most important protections available to SSDI recipients. It gives you nine months—within a rolling 60-month window—during which you can work and earn any amount without it affecting your SSDI benefits. In 2024, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month.

For New York residents working part time, this means you could pick up a part-time retail job, do freelance consulting, or take on seasonal work without immediately triggering a review that cuts off your payments. The nine months do not have to be consecutive, which gives additional flexibility to those whose work capacity fluctuates due to their medical condition.

Once you exhaust your nine trial work months, the SSA will evaluate whether your earnings constitute Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If your part-time earnings stay below that threshold, your SSDI payments generally continue.

Extended Period of Eligibility

After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter a 36-month window called the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During the EPE, your benefits are reinstated automatically in any month your earnings fall below the SGA level. This is critical protection for New Yorkers in jobs with variable hours or seasonal income—a slow month does not require you to reapply from scratch.

If your earnings consistently exceed SGA for a full month after the EPE, the SSA will terminate your benefits. However, if your disability prevents you from sustaining that level of work, you may have grounds to argue that the work did not demonstrate the ability to engage in SGA on a regular, continuing basis.

Reporting Requirements for New York SSDI Recipients

Working while receiving SSDI comes with strict reporting obligations. You must notify the SSA of any work activity promptly. Failing to report can result in overpayments that the SSA will demand you repay—sometimes years later, with interest. New York residents should be aware of the following reporting steps:

• Report your work start date to the SSA as soon as you begin any employment
• Report monthly earnings, including tips and self-employment income
• Notify the SSA of any changes in pay rate, hours, or job duties
• Keep copies of all pay stubs and correspondence with the SSA
• Document any work-related expenses that reduce your countable earnings (see below)

You can report work activity by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local New York SSA field office, or using your my Social Security online account. Written documentation of every report you make is strongly advised.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses Can Lower Your Countable Income

New York SSDI recipients who work part time may be able to reduce their countable earnings through Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). IRWEs are costs you pay out of pocket that are directly related to your disability and necessary for you to work. The SSA deducts these from your gross earnings before comparing your income to the SGA threshold.

Common examples of IRWEs include:

• Prescription medications required to manage your disabling condition
• Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or oxygen supplies
• Transportation costs for disability-related medical appointments needed to maintain work capacity
• Attendant care services required for you to get to and from work
• Job coaching or vocational rehabilitation services

If your gross part-time wages put you slightly above the SGA limit, documenting and claiming IRWEs can keep you below the threshold and protect your monthly benefit. This is an area where working with an experienced disability attorney can yield significant financial results.

New York State Considerations and the Ticket to Work Program

New York residents on SSDI have access to the federal Ticket to Work program, which pairs beneficiaries with approved Employment Networks (ENs) or State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. Participating in Ticket to Work can suspend certain medical Continuing Disability Reviews while you are making timely progress toward your employment goals. For many New Yorkers, this is a way to explore part-time work with added protection against losing benefits.

New York State also offers its own workforce programs through the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services–Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). ACCES-VR provides job training, placement assistance, and supported employment services specifically designed for people with disabilities. Coordinating ACCES-VR services with your SSDI benefits requires careful planning, but it can significantly ease the transition back to the workplace.

One practical concern for New York residents is the cost of living. In New York City and surrounding metropolitan areas, part-time work that stays below the SGA limit may still be insufficient to cover basic expenses, especially if you face housing costs that are among the highest in the nation. Before accepting part-time employment, calculate how your net take-home pay, combined with your SSDI benefit and any applicable IRWEs, will cover your monthly obligations.

Self-employment is another common path for SSDI recipients who want flexibility. The SSA calculates SGA differently for self-employed individuals, looking at both net earnings and the nature and value of your work activity. This can create opportunities—but also traps—for New Yorkers running small businesses or freelancing. An attorney familiar with SSDI work rules can help you structure self-employment income to remain compliant.

Finally, be cautious about how your employer classifies your position. Even if you work limited hours, the SSA looks at total monthly earnings regardless of whether work is labeled part-time or full-time. Bonuses, commissions, and in-kind compensation all count toward the SGA calculation and must be reported accurately.

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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