How much can I earn when I am on disability?

How much you can earn when you receive disability benefits depends on the type of disability you receive.

 

If you are receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits you can earn $20.00 a month before your benefits are effected.  After the first $20, SSA will reduce your benefits $ .50 for every dollar earned.

 

You can earn up to $1,470.00 a month in 2023 if you receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits.  Earning that amount three months in a row will end your benefits.  The amount you can earn changes annually with the cost of living.  

 

Even if you are receiving SSI only and you earn $1,470.00 in 2023 for three months your benefits will be terminated.  Earning this amount is considered "substantial gainful activity" or SGA.  The amount you can earn each month by year is shown in this table.

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There is also a Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) that allows benefit recipients who are students to earn $2,220 of income in a month in 2023 or $8,950 in a year.  These earnings are not considered countable income against their benefits.  Earning up to those limits will not change your SSI payment amounts.

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