1. Basic Requirements for SSDI Eligibility

To qualify for SSDI in South Carolina, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• The applicant must have a disability expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• The applicant must have sufficient work credits from their employment history.
• Income must remain below the threshold set by the SSA, as exceeding it could disqualify the applicant.
• Applicants should avoid exceeding the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to maintain eligibility for SSDI.

2. Impact of Work Restrictions on SSDI Benefits

Work restrictions play a significant role in whether SSDI benefits are granted:

• The SSA defines Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) as earning over $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals (or $2,460 for blind individuals).
• Earning above the SGA threshold may result in denial or termination of SSDI benefits.
• Some individuals may qualify for a trial work period to test their ability to work without losing benefits, but this period is limited to nine months.

3. How SSDI Benefits Change Based on Work

Your SSDI benefits will depend on your work activities:

• If earnings surpass the SSA’s earnings limit, your SSDI benefits could be reduced or discontinued.
• After reaching the SGA limit, the SSA will conduct a review to determine if you’re still eligible.
• Special protections like trial work periods and expedited reinstatement are available if you stop working and return to a disabled status.

4. Effect of Work on SSDI Eligibility Over Time

The key consideration for SSDI applicants with work restrictions is:

• Working and earning over the SGA limit could disqualify you from benefits.
• Eligibility may change if you return to work and exceed the income threshold after initially qualifying.
• Self-employed individuals must also meet the SGA criteria, which includes detailed monitoring of their earnings.

5. How to Apply for SSDI with Work Restrictions

When applying for SSDI in South Carolina, you’ll need to:

• Submit evidence of your disability through medical documentation, and show your work history for credit evaluation.
• Report your earnings to the SSA, especially if you're in a trial work period.
• The SSA will review your income to ensure it’s within the limits for SSDI eligibility.

Understanding the relationship between SSDI, work restrictions, and eligibility is essential to navigating the system and maintaining benefits while exploring employment opportunities in South Carolina.