Dear Rusty: Can someone collecting Social Security disability benefits also work? Specifically, what is the maximum they are allowed to earn while keeping their disability benefit? Signed: Concerned Wife

Dear Concerned Wife,

People receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits are indeed allowed to work to some extent. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the allowed monthly earnings limit for SSDI recipients in 2024 will be $1,550. As long as earnings stay under this limit, their SSDI benefits will not be at risk.

Your husband has the option to contact the Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. This program assists SSDI beneficiaries who wish to test their ability to work while still receiving their benefits. It can provide new training opportunities and link recipients to potential employers.

He can also request a Trial Work Period (TWP) which allows for 9 months (within a five-year period) of earning any amount without risking his SSDI benefits. Only those months where he earns over the SSDI limit are considered Trial Work Months.

If your husband exceeds the SSDI limit for more than the 9 trial work months and benefits are consequently stopped, he can have them reinstated within the 5-year Trial Work Period without needing to go through the full application process.

To get started, he should contact Social Security’s Ticket to Work program at 1-833-889-0108. They will guide him through the process.

Sincerely, Russell Gloor, Association of Mature American Citizens certified social security advisor.