Working Part Time on Disability in Washington

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients in Washington State wonder whether they can work part-time while receiving benefits. The answer is yes, but with important limitations and requirements. Understanding the rules surrounding work activity while on disability benefits is crucial to maintaining your financial security and avoiding potential overpayments or benefit termination.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that some individuals receiving disability benefits may want to test their ability to return to work or supplement their income with limited employment. However, SSDI benefits are specifically designed for individuals who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a severe medical condition. Balancing part-time work with disability benefits requires careful navigation of federal regulations that apply uniformly across Washington and all other states.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity Limits

The cornerstone of working while on SSDI is the concept of substantial gainful activity. For 2024, the SSA defines SGA as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind. These figures are adjusted annually for inflation and represent gross earnings before taxes and deductions.

If your part-time work consistently generates income above the SGA threshold, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled under their definition. This could result in termination of your SSDI benefits. However, Washington residents should understand that occasional months above the SGA limit may not automatically disqualify you, especially during trial work periods.

The SSA evaluates several factors when determining if work activity constitutes SGA:

• The actual hours worked per week
• The nature and duties of the job
• Your wages and any subsidies or special conditions
• Whether the work demonstrates your ability to perform sustained employment
• Any accommodations provided by your employer due to your disability

Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility

The SSA provides important safeguards for SSDI recipients who want to attempt returning to work. The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without risking your benefits, regardless of how much you earn during those months.

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. These nine months need not be consecutive, and the trial work period can span up to five years. During the TWP, you continue receiving full SSDI benefits regardless of your earnings.

After completing your trial work period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this phase, you receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA level. If your earnings exceed SGA, you will not receive benefits for that month, but you can quickly restart benefits if your earnings drop below SGA again without filing a new application.

Washington residents should carefully track their work activity and earnings during these periods. Maintaining detailed records of hours worked, wages earned, and any work-related expenses helps protect your benefits and provides documentation if questions arise.

Reporting Requirements for Washington SSDI Recipients

If you receive SSDI benefits and begin working part-time in Washington, you must promptly report this work activity to the Social Security Administration. Failure to report work can result in overpayments that you will be required to repay, sometimes in substantial amounts.

You should report the following information to the SSA:

• The date you started or stopped working
• Your employer's name and contact information
• Your gross monthly earnings
• The number of hours you work
• Any changes in your work duties or earnings

Washington residents can report work activity by calling their local Social Security office, visiting in person, or submitting information through their online My Social Security account. Keeping copies of pay stubs, W-2 forms, and correspondence with the SSA creates a valuable record of your compliance with reporting requirements.

Work Incentives and Deductions Available

The SSA offers several work incentives that can help you maximize your earnings while preserving benefits. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) allow you to deduct the cost of certain disability-related items and services you need to work from your gross earnings when calculating SGA.

Examples of IRWE include:

• Medications and medical supplies required due to your impairment
• Medical devices and equipment
• Attendant care services needed to help you prepare for or perform work
• Transportation costs related to your disability
• Residential modifications necessary for employment

These deductions can be significant. For instance, if you earn $1,700 per month but have documented IRWE totaling $250, your countable income for SGA purposes would be $1,450, keeping you below the 2024 threshold.

Additionally, if you use assistive technology or receive job coaching as a Washington worker with disabilities, these expenses may qualify as IRWE deductions when properly documented.

State-Specific Considerations for Washington Workers

While SSDI is a federal program with uniform rules, Washington State offers additional resources that can support your transition back to work. The Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

Washington's minimum wage, which is higher than the federal minimum wage, means that even limited part-time hours can generate earnings approaching the SGA threshold. As of 2024, Washington's minimum wage is $16.28 per hour, meaning approximately 24 hours per week at minimum wage would approach the monthly SGA limit.

Washington residents should also be aware that working part-time may affect other means-tested benefits they receive, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if they receive both programs, or state-administered assistance programs. Coordinating your work activity with all benefits requires careful planning.

If you plan to work part-time while receiving SSDI in Washington, consider consulting with a benefits planner through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. These specialists can provide personalized analysis of how employment will affect your specific benefit situation and help you avoid costly mistakes.

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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