Yes — you can work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in South Carolina, but there are important rules and limits to follow. The SSA allows certain work activities under programs designed to help you test your ability to return to the workforce without immediately losing your benefits.

Here’s what you need to know about working while on SSDI in South Carolina.
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1. Understand Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SSA uses the term Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if your work affects SSDI eligibility:
- In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most individuals and $2,590 per month for those who are blind.
- Earning above this amount may lead the SSA to determine that you are no longer disabled.
You can work part-time or earn below the SGA limit without losing benefits.
2. Use the Trial Work Period (TWP)
The SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) for SSDI recipients:
- Lasts for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period.
- During TWP months, you can earn any amount and still receive full SSDI payments.
- You must report your work activity to the SSA to stay compliant.
After the TWP, the SSA monitors your earnings during an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) to see if you can continue working without losing benefits.
3. How Earnings Affect Benefits
Even if your income is below the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits can be impacted in certain situations:
- Earnings above SGA: May lead to termination of benefits
- Earnings below SGA: You keep your benefits, but the SSA tracks your income
- Reporting requirements: Always report work and income accurately to avoid overpayment issues
Careful planning allows you to work while maintaining SSDI eligibility.
4. Benefits of Working on SSDI
Working while on SSDI in South Carolina can offer:
- Supplemental income without immediately losing benefits
- Skill development and maintaining a connection to the workforce
- Confidence and independence while testing your work capabilities
- Protection under TWP and EPE, allowing you to explore full-time work later
5. Risks and Considerations
Before working while on SSDI, consider:
- Medicaid/Medicare impact: Earnings generally do not affect Medicare eligibility, but may affect SSI if you receive it alongside SSDI
- Overpayment risk: Failing to report earnings can result in SSA overpayment, which must be repaid
- Medical limitations: Ensure work aligns with your physical or mental limitations
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we assist South Carolina residents by:
- Explaining SGA limits, TWP, and EPE rules
- Ensuring you can work part-time or return to work safely without losing benefits
- Helping you report earnings correctly to avoid overpayments
- Planning income and work schedules to maximize your benefits
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you want to work while on SSDI in South Carolina without risking your benefits, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation.
We’ll help you navigate SSA rules, report income properly, and use work incentives so you can increase financial independence while protecting your SSDI benefits.

Work confidently with expert guidance while on SSDI.
Further Reading
Updated February 10, 2025
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