Working Part Time on Disability in West Virginia
2/22/2026 | 1 min read
Working Part Time on Disability in West Virginia
Many West Virginia residents receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits wonder whether they can supplement their income by working part-time. The answer is yes, but understanding the rules governing work activity while on disability is crucial to maintaining your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established specific guidelines that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to return to work without immediately losing their benefits.
Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity Limits
The most important concept for SSDI recipients in West Virginia to understand is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This threshold determines whether your work activity is considered substantial enough to affect your disability status. For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind. These figures represent gross income before taxes and deductions.
If your monthly earnings consistently exceed the SGA threshold, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and terminate your benefits. However, earning below this amount generally allows you to continue receiving SSDI while supplementing your income. West Virginia beneficiaries should carefully track their monthly earnings to ensure they remain below the applicable SGA limit.
The SSA does not simply look at your gross earnings when evaluating SGA. They consider your earnings after subtracting Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), which are costs directly related to your disability that enable you to work. These might include medications, medical devices, transportation to work due to your disability, or assistive technology. Properly documenting and reporting these expenses can help you stay below the SGA threshold even if your gross earnings are higher.
The Trial Work Period: Your Safety Net
West Virginia SSDI recipients have access to an important protection called the Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without losing your disability benefits, regardless of how much you earn. The nine months do not need to be consecutive; they can be spread over 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. During your TWP, you continue receiving your full SSDI benefits no matter how much you earn. This provides a valuable opportunity to determine whether you can sustain employment without the immediate risk of losing your financial support.
After completing your nine-month TWP, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) lasting 36 months. During this time, you receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA level. If your earnings exceed SGA, your benefits are suspended but not terminated. This creates a safety net if your work attempt proves unsuccessful due to your medical condition.
West Virginia-Specific Employment Considerations
West Virginia's economy presents unique considerations for SSDI recipients attempting part-time work. The state's median income is below the national average, and employment opportunities in rural areas may be limited. However, several growing sectors may offer suitable part-time opportunities for individuals with disabilities:
- Healthcare support positions, particularly in the state's expanding medical facilities
- Remote customer service and data entry roles that accommodate physical limitations
- Educational support positions in schools and libraries
- Light manufacturing and assembly work in industrial parks
- Retail positions with flexible scheduling
West Virginia residents should be aware that state-specific resources exist to support employment for individuals with disabilities. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services provides vocational rehabilitation services, job coaching, and workplace accommodations assistance. These services can be invaluable when attempting to return to work while managing a disability.
Reporting Requirements and Compliance
SSDI recipients in West Virginia must understand their obligation to report work activity to the Social Security Administration promptly. Failure to report earnings can result in overpayments that must be repaid, potential fraud allegations, and benefit termination. You should report the following information:
- When you start or stop working
- Changes in your work schedule or duties
- Changes in your pay rate or monthly earnings
- Any work-related expenses due to your disability
You can report work activity by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local West Virginia Social Security office, or submitting information through your online Social Security account. Maintaining detailed records of your work hours, pay stubs, and work-related expenses is essential for accurate reporting and protecting your benefits.
The SSA may conduct periodic reviews called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine if you remain eligible for benefits. When working part-time, be prepared to provide medical evidence demonstrating that your condition continues to meet disability criteria and that any work you perform is below SGA levels or within allowable work incentive programs.
Maximizing Work Incentives and Protections
Several additional work incentive programs can benefit West Virginia SSDI recipients attempting part-time employment. The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary employment program that allows you to work with approved service providers to develop job skills and obtain employment. Participants receive protection from medical CDRs while actively participating in the program.
If you successfully return to work and your SSDI benefits are terminated due to earnings exceeding SGA, you may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If you become unable to work again within five years of benefit termination, you can request reinstatement without filing a new application. You may receive up to six months of temporary benefits while the SSA processes your EXR request.
West Virginia residents should also explore whether they qualify for concurrent SSI benefits, as the rules for working while receiving SSI differ from SSDI. Some individuals receive both types of benefits, and understanding how work affects each program separately is important for financial planning.
Before accepting part-time employment, consider consulting with a benefits counselor through West Virginia's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. These counselors provide free benefits planning services to help you understand how work will affect your specific situation. They can model different earning scenarios and help you maximize your total income while maintaining essential 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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