Working Part Time on SSDI in Texas

Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas does not automatically prohibit you from working. Many beneficiaries worry that earning any income will immediately disqualify them from their monthly payments. The reality is more nuanced. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established specific guidelines that allow SSDI recipients to work part-time under certain conditions, and understanding these rules can help you supplement your income without jeopardizing your benefits.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The primary concept governing work while on SSDI is Substantial Gainful Activity, commonly referred to as SGA. The SSA uses SGA thresholds to determine whether your work activity constitutes sufficient employment to disqualify you from disability benefits. For 2024, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are statutorily blind.

If your monthly earnings from part-time work remain below the SGA threshold, you can generally continue receiving your full SSDI benefits. This threshold applies uniformly across all states, including Texas. The SSA considers only your gross earnings before taxes when calculating whether you have exceeded SGA limits.

It is crucial to understand that the SSA evaluates your work activity not just by earnings but also by the nature and extent of your work. Even if you earn less than the SGA amount, the SSA may determine that your work activity demonstrates an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity if you work significant hours or perform complex tasks that contradict your stated limitations.

The Trial Work Period: Your Safety Net

The Trial Work Period (TWP) represents one of the most important protections for SSDI beneficiaries who want to test their ability to work. During a TWP, you can earn any amount of income for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period without losing your SSDI benefits. 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.

The TWP provides a significant opportunity for Texas residents on SSDI to explore employment options without immediate risk to their benefits. During these nine months, you continue receiving your full SSDI payment regardless of your earnings level. This period allows you to determine whether you can sustain employment despite your disability.

After exhausting your nine trial work months, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 months. During the EPE, you receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA threshold. If you earn above SGA in any month during the EPE, you do not receive benefits for that month, but your benefits can be quickly reinstated for months when earnings drop below SGA without requiring a new application.

Reporting Requirements and Compliance

Texas SSDI beneficiaries who work part-time must comply with strict reporting requirements. You are legally obligated to report your work activity to the SSA, typically within ten days of starting employment or becoming self-employed. Failure to report work activity can result in overpayments that you must repay, and in serious cases, allegations of fraud.

When reporting work activity, you should provide the following information:

• Your employer's name and address
• Your start date of employment
• Your hourly wage or salary
• The number of hours you work each week
• Any changes to your work schedule or earnings
• Details about job accommodations or special conditions

The SSA provides multiple reporting methods, including online through your my Social Security account, by telephone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Texas has numerous Social Security field offices in major cities including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth, as well as smaller offices throughout the state.

Work Incentives and Support Programs

The SSA offers several work incentive programs designed to help SSDI beneficiaries transition to employment. The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary employment program that connects beneficiaries with free employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services. Texas residents can access Ticket to Work services through Employment Networks throughout the state.

Additional work incentives include:

• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): The SSA deducts the cost of items or services you need to work because of your disability when calculating your earnings for SGA purposes.
• Subsidy and Special Conditions: If your employer provides special assistance or accommodations that subsidize your productivity, the SSA may exclude the subsidy value from your earnings calculation.
• Unsuccessful Work Attempt: If you attempt to work but stop or reduce your hours to below SGA within six months due to your disability, the SSA may not count this work against you.
• Expedited Reinstatement: If your benefits terminate due to work activity but you cannot continue working within five years, you can request expedited reinstatement without filing a new application.

Texas-Specific Considerations

While SSDI is a federal program with uniform rules, Texas SSDI beneficiaries should be aware of state-specific factors. Texas does not have state income tax, which means part-time earnings on SSDI are not subject to state taxation, though federal taxes may still apply depending on your total income.

Texas law provides additional protections and resources for individuals with disabilities seeking employment. The Texas Workforce Commission offers vocational rehabilitation services that can complement federal work incentive programs. Additionally, understanding how part-time work affects other benefits you may receive, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, is essential for comprehensive financial planning.

Healthcare considerations are particularly important for Texas residents. Unlike many states, Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. SSDI beneficiaries typically qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, but understanding how work activity affects your healthcare coverage requires careful attention. Some individuals may qualify for continued Medicare coverage even after SSDI benefits cease due to earnings above SGA.

Before accepting part-time employment while on SSDI, consider consulting with a disability attorney or a benefits specialist who understands both federal SSDI regulations and Texas-specific circumstances. Professional guidance can help you maximize your income while protecting your benefits and avoiding costly mistakes.

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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