Can I Work While on SSDI? Ohio Guide

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits provide crucial financial support to individuals who cannot work due to a disabling condition. However, many recipients wonder whether they can engage in any work activity while receiving these benefits. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, and understanding the specific rules can help you maximize your income without jeopardizing your benefits.

Understanding SSDI Work Rules and Substantial Gainful Activity

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that some disability beneficiaries may want to attempt working despite their limitations. The key concept governing work while on SSDI is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2024, the SGA threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for those who are statutorily blind.

If your earnings exceed the SGA level, the SSA generally considers you capable of substantial gainful activity, which may result in termination of your SSDI benefits. However, earning below this threshold typically allows you to continue receiving benefits while supplementing your income through part-time or limited work.

In Ohio, as in all states, the federal SGA limits apply uniformly. The SSA counts gross wages before taxes and deductions when calculating whether you have exceeded SGA. This calculation includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and the value of certain in-kind items like meals or housing provided by your employer.

Trial Work Period: Testing Your Ability to Work

The SSA provides a valuable opportunity called the Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. During this period, you can receive full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment.

The trial work period consists of nine months, which do not need to be consecutive. In 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. Once you have used all nine trial work months within a rolling 60-month period, the trial work period ends.

For Ohio residents, this provision offers significant flexibility. You might accept a part-time position, start a small business, or return to your previous employer on a limited basis to determine whether you can sustain employment despite your disability. Throughout the trial work period, your SSDI benefits continue uninterrupted.

The Extended Period of Eligibility

After completing your trial work period, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), which lasts for 36 consecutive months. During this phase, the rules change significantly:

• You receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA threshold
• You do not receive benefits for months when earnings exceed SGA
• Your benefits can stop and start based on your monthly earnings without requiring a new application
• You remain entitled to Medicare coverage throughout this period

This arrangement provides a critical safety net. If you attempt to return to work but find that your disability prevents you from sustaining employment above the SGA level, your benefits can automatically resume without going through the lengthy application process again.

Ohio workers should document all work attempts carefully during this period. Keep detailed records of hours worked, wages earned, and any work-related accommodations you required. If your condition worsens or you cannot continue working, this documentation will support your continued eligibility for benefits.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses and Deductions

The SSA allows certain deductions from your gross earnings when calculating whether you have exceeded SGA. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) are costs for items or services you need to work because of your disability. These might include:

• Medications and medical supplies necessary for you to work
• Medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or specialized equipment
• Attendant care services while at work
• Transportation costs if your disability prevents you from using public transportation
• Residential modifications necessary for work
• Costs of a service animal

The SSA subtracts verified IRWEs from your gross earnings before determining if you have engaged in SGA. For example, if you earn $1,700 per month but have documented IRWEs of $200 per month, your countable earnings would be $1,500, keeping you below the 2024 SGA threshold.

Additionally, if you are blind, you may deduct any work expenses, whether or not they are related to your blindness, through Blind Work Expenses (BWEs). Ohio residents should work with a qualified attorney or disability advocate to ensure all eligible expenses are properly documented and submitted to the SSA.

Reporting Requirements and Potential Consequences

SSDI recipients who engage in work activity have a legal obligation to report this to the SSA promptly. Failure to report work can result in serious consequences, including overpayment demands, benefit suspension, or allegations of fraud.

You should report any work activity to the SSA within specific timeframes, generally by the sixth day of the month following the month you started work or had a change in work activity. Methods for reporting include calling your local Social Security office, reporting online through your my Social Security account, or visiting an office in person.

Ohio has numerous Social Security field offices throughout the state, including locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron. Establishing a relationship with your local office can facilitate communication and ensure proper handling of your work reports.

The consequences of unreported work can be severe. If the SSA determines you received benefits you were not entitled to, you may face a substantial overpayment that must be repaid. In some cases, the SSA may withhold your entire monthly benefit until the overpayment is satisfied. While waiver and repayment plan options exist, preventing overpayments through proper reporting is always preferable.

Practical Considerations for Ohio SSDI Recipients

Before attempting to return to work while receiving SSDI, consider consulting with professionals who understand both Social Security regulations and the Ohio employment landscape. An experienced disability attorney can review your specific situation and advise you on how to structure your work activity to preserve benefits while maximizing income.

Ohio's economy offers diverse employment opportunities, from remote work arrangements to part-time positions in healthcare, education, and service industries. Many employers are willing to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which may enable you to work successfully despite your limitations.

Remember that attempting to work does not mean you are admitting your disability has improved or that you no longer need SSDI. The SSA's work incentive programs specifically recognize that individuals with disabilities may have the capacity for some work activity while still meeting the program's medical requirements.

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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