Working Part Time on Disability in Virginia

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides crucial financial support to Virginians who cannot work due to qualifying disabilities. However, many beneficiaries wonder whether they can supplement their disability income through part-time employment without jeopardizing their benefits. The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors related to Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations and work activity limits.

Understanding the rules governing work while receiving SSDI benefits is essential for Virginia residents who want to maintain their financial stability while testing their ability to return to the workforce. The Social Security Administration has established specific programs and thresholds designed to encourage beneficiaries to attempt work without immediately losing their benefits.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The most critical concept when working while on SSDI is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SSA defines SGA as work activity that involves significant physical or mental effort and results in pay above a certain monthly threshold. For 2024, this threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are statutorily blind.

If your earnings from part-time work exceed the SGA limit, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and terminate your benefits. This applies to Virginia residents just as it does to beneficiaries in other states. However, earning less than the SGA threshold does not automatically guarantee that your benefits will continue, as the SSA also examines the nature and extent of your work activity.

The SSA evaluates several factors beyond just income when determining if work constitutes SGA:

• The number of hours worked per week
• Job duties and responsibilities
• The value of your work compared to what you are paid
• Whether you receive special accommodations or assistance
• Whether you work under special conditions not available to other employees

Trial Work Period Protection

Virginia SSDI beneficiaries can take advantage of the Trial Work Period (TWP), a valuable provision that allows you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. During a TWP, you can receive full SSDI benefits regardless of your earnings level, provided you continue to have a disabling impairment and report your work activity to the SSA.

The TWP lasts for nine months, which need not 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 months within a rolling 60-month period, your TWP ends, and the SSA will evaluate whether your work activity constitutes SGA.

This protection provides Virginia residents with a significant opportunity to explore employment options while maintaining the security of their disability benefits. Many beneficiaries use this period to gradually increase their work hours, assess their physical or mental capabilities, and determine whether they can sustain employment long-term.

Extended Period of Eligibility and Beyond

After your Trial Work Period concludes, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) that lasts for 36 consecutive months. During this period, you will receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA threshold. If your earnings exceed SGA in any month during the EPE, you will not receive benefits for that month, but your benefits can restart automatically if your earnings drop below SGA again.

For Virginia workers, this provides flexibility to accept part-time work with variable hours or seasonal employment without constantly reapplying for benefits. You must report your earnings to the SSA, but as long as you remain below the SGA limit in a given month, your benefits continue.

After the EPE ends, if you are still working above SGA levels, your benefits will terminate. However, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) if you stop working or your earnings drop below SGA within five years of benefit termination. This allows you to request reinstatement without filing a new application, though you must show that your medical condition prevents you from performing SGA.

Virginia-Specific Considerations and Employment Resources

Virginia offers several resources specifically designed to help SSDI beneficiaries transition to work or supplement their income through part-time employment. The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides vocational rehabilitation services that can assist with job training, placement, and accommodations.

Additionally, the Ticket to Work program, available nationwide including Virginia, is a free and voluntary program that supports SSDI beneficiaries who want to work. Through this program, eligible Virginia residents can receive employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services from approved providers without triggering continuing disability reviews based solely on work activity.

Virginia's relatively diverse economy, with opportunities in government contracting, technology, healthcare, and service industries, may provide part-time positions suitable for individuals with disabilities. Remote work opportunities have also expanded significantly, offering flexible options for those with mobility limitations or health conditions that make traditional office work challenging.

Reporting Requirements and Avoiding Overpayments

One of the most important responsibilities for Virginia SSDI beneficiaries who work part-time is promptly reporting all work activity and earnings to the Social Security Administration. Failure to report can result in overpayments, which the SSA will require you to repay, potentially creating significant financial hardship.

You should report work activity when you start a job, when your earnings change substantially, or when you stop working. The SSA provides multiple reporting methods:

• Calling the local Virginia Social Security office
• Visiting a field office in person
• Using your my Social Security online account
• Submitting wage reporting forms by mail

Keep detailed records of all employment, including pay stubs, work schedules, and any accommodations your employer provides. This documentation proves invaluable if questions arise about whether your work constitutes SGA or if the SSA requests information during a continuing disability review.

Virginia residents should also understand that receiving SSDI does not prohibit volunteer work, as long as you receive no compensation beyond reimbursement for expenses. However, extensive volunteer activities could potentially raise questions about your ability to work, so consult with a disability attorney if you plan significant volunteer commitments.

Working part-time while receiving SSDI benefits in Virginia is possible and can provide valuable income, work experience, and personal fulfillment. By understanding SGA limits, utilizing the Trial Work Period, and maintaining accurate reporting, you can explore employment opportunities while protecting your disability 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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