Working VS. Receiving Federal Disability Benefits

One of the most persistent myths in disability planning is that working automatically ends SSI or SSDI benefits. In reality, both programs include work incentive provisions specifically designed to support individuals with disabilities who want to work — without immediately losing the benefits they depend on.

For SSI recipients, earned income is partially excluded from the benefit calculation. The first $65 of monthly earned income, plus half of anything above that, is not counted against the benefit amount.

For SSDI recipients, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows recipients to test their ability to work for up to nine months without affecting their benefit — provided they report earnings and meet other program requirements.

Ticket to Work is an SSA program that provides additional employment support and protections for both SSI and SSDI recipients who want to enter or return to the workforce.

Planning before employment begins — not after — is essential. Leahy Life Plan helps individuals and families understand how work affects their specific benefits, which reporting obligations apply, and how to avoid unintended loss of benefits.

• Federal Disability Benefits Planning
• Review of Past & Current Disability Documentation
• Asset & Resource Evaluation for Federal Benefits Programs
• SSI vs. SSDI vs. Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding Your Options
• Federal Benefits Eligibility Assessment
• Required Documentation for Federal Benefits Programs
• Federal Benefits Interview Preparation
• Understanding Maximum Federal Benefit Levels
• Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Disability Benefits