1. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

• The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your work is considered “substantial.”
• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month (or $2,590 per month if you are blind).
• If you consistently earn above this limit, you may lose SSDI benefits.

2. Trial Work Period (TWP)

• SSDI allows recipients to test their ability to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP).
• During a TWP, you can earn any amount for 9 months within a 60-month rolling period and still receive full SSDI benefits.
• In 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts toward a TWP month.

3. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

• After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
• During this time, you will still receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
• If your income goes above SGA, your benefits may stop, but they can be reinstated if your earnings drop again.

4. Expedited Reinstatement

• If your benefits stop because you earned above the SGA level but your disability prevents you from continuing to work, you may request expedited reinstatement.
• This allows you to restart your SSDI benefits without filing a new application.

5. Work Incentives in New Jersey

In addition to federal SSDI rules, New Jersey residents may also qualify for programs that help support working while disabled, such as:



• Ticket to Work Program – Provides employment services, vocational training, and support.
• Medicare and Medicaid continuation – In many cases, your healthcare coverage can continue even if SSDI payments are reduced or stopped.