Understanding SSDI and Income Limits

Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need, SSDI eligibility is tied to your work history and medical condition, not your assets. However, the SSA still limits how much you can earn from work and still qualify for disability benefits.

The SSA measures your income through a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

• For 2025, the SGA limit is:
• $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals
• $2,590 per month for blind individuals

If you earn more than these amounts from work, the SSA generally considers you not disabled, since your income suggests you are capable of substantial work activity.

Types of Income That Affect SSDI Eligibility

Not all income is treated equally. The SSA focuses primarily on earned income, but other types of payments may also impact your eligibility in specific ways.

1. Earned Income

Earned income includes wages, salaries, self-employment earnings, and any other compensation from work.

Examples:

• Regular job wages
• Freelance or contract work income
• Commissions or bonuses

If your gross monthly earnings exceed the SGA limit, you likely won’t qualify for SSDI benefits.

2. Self-Employment Income

If you’re self-employed in Oklahoma, the SSA evaluates your work activity, hours, and profit. Even if your income appears low, the SSA may still deny benefits if your work activity shows you’re capable of performing substantial gainful work.

They’ll look at:

• The amount of time you spend working
• The value of your services to the business
• Your actual net earnings

3. Work Incentives and Trial Work Period

Once approved for SSDI, you’re allowed to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP), which lets you earn more than the SGA limit for up to nine months without disqualification.

For 2025, any month you earn more than $1,110 counts toward your TWP.

4. Unearned Income

Unearned income — such as investments, pensions, VA benefits, or gifts — generally does not affect SSDI eligibility. SSDI is based on work credits and disability status, not financial need.

However, these sources may affect SSI, so it’s important not to confuse the two programs.

5. Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits

If you receive private disability insurance or workers’ compensation, these payments don’t count toward SGA limits but may offset your SSDI benefits if you are later approved. The SSA may reduce your SSDI payment amount to ensure total income stays within federal limits.

Special Rules for Oklahoma Workers

Oklahoma workers applying for SSDI should also consider:

• Part-time work may still affect eligibility if income is above SGA.
• Seasonal employment (common in agriculture or oil fields) is averaged over time to determine SGA.
• Volunteer work or unpaid roles that demonstrate substantial activity can still affect how the SSA evaluates your disability status.

Always keep detailed records of your work activity, income, and hours worked, as this documentation can help clarify your case.

How to Report Income to the SSA

When applying or after approval:

• Report any change in work status or earnings immediately to the SSA.
• You can report income through your My Social Security account, by phone, or at your local SSA office.
• Failing to report income changes could result in overpayments, which you’d have to repay later.