Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in South Carolina?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/15/2025

Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in South Carolina? In South Carolina, your SSDI benefits may be subject to change if you return to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific rules to evaluate whether your work activity affects your eligibility. Generally, if your earnings exceed a certain threshold, your benefits could be reduced or stopped. However, there are programs designed to support returning to work, like the Trial Work Period, that help you ease back into employment without immediate loss of benefits.

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Understanding Work and Earnings Limits

Returning to work impacts your benefits based on:

  • Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits set by SSA determining allowable earnings.
  • Earnings over the monthly limit may result in benefits being reduced or stopped.
  • Different thresholds apply depending on whether you're in a Trial Work Period or Extended Period of Eligibility.
Trial Work Period (TWP)

During the TWP, you can:

  • Test your ability to work without immediate loss of SSDI benefits.
  • Earn over the SGA limit for up to 9 months within a 60-month period.
  • Maintain your full benefits during this phase despite earnings.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After the TWP ends, the EPE allows:

  • Continued access to benefits for 36 months under certain earnings conditions.
  • Benefits can be stopped only if earnings exceed SGA limits during this time.
  • Opportunity to restart benefits without a new application if you stop working.
Impact of Earnings on Benefit Eligibility

Keep in mind:

  • Regular work and earnings above SGA may trigger cessation of benefits.
  • Exceptional cases like impairment-related work expenses may reduce countable income.
  • Reporting work activity promptly to SSA is crucial to avoid overpayments.
Other Important Considerations

Additionally:

  • Medical improvement reviews can affect ongoing eligibility alongside work activity.
  • South Carolina-specific employment opportunities might impact work adjustments.
  • Consulting experts can help navigate complex SSA rules with employment changes.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we support South Carolina residents concerned about losing SSDI benefits when returning to work by:

  • Explaining SSA’s rules about earning limits and how the Trial Work Period can protect your benefits.
  • Helping you accurately report work activity to prevent overpayments and penalties.
  • Guiding you through the complex appeal processes if your benefits are reduced or stopped.
  • Offering personalized advice on balancing employment and maintaining SSDI eligibility.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you're worried about your SSDI benefits being affected by going back to work in South Carolina, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. Our experienced team will help you understand your options, protect your benefits, and confidently return to work.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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