Can I work part time on SSDI in Washington?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 07/22/2025
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Washington, you may be wondering if working part time is allowed. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) permits beneficiaries to work part time under specific guidelines without immediately losing benefits.
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1. Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
SSA uses the term Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if your work activity disqualifies you from receiving SSDI. For 2025, the SGA limits are:
- $1,620 per month for individuals who are not blind
- $2,700 per month for individuals who are legally blind
If your gross monthly income from part-time work is below these thresholds, your benefits are generally not affected.
2. Trial Work Period (TWP)
SSA encourages disability beneficiaries to attempt working through the Trial Work Period (TWP):
- You can work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period while still receiving your full SSDI benefits
- Any month you earn over $1,110 (2025 threshold) counts as a TWP month
- During TWP, there is no income cap that will stop your benefits, but you must report your earnings to SSA
3. After Your Trial Work Period
After your TWP ends, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):
- The EPE lasts 36 months
- You can receive SSDI benefits for any month your income remains below SGA
- If you earn above SGA in a month, your benefits are suspended but can restart if your earnings drop below SGA within the EPE
4. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)
SSA allows you to deduct certain disability-related expenses from your gross income to reduce your countable earnings, such as:
- Costs for assistive devices or mobility aids
- Specialized transportation
- Out-of-pocket medical treatments
5. Reporting Requirements
If you decide to work part time:
- Report your income to SSA each month you work
- Submit pay stubs or proof of earnings promptly to avoid overpayment issues or potential penalties
- Keep records of hours worked and duties performed
6. Risks of Working Without Proper Planning
Working part time without understanding SSA rules can lead to:
- Overpayment demands if earnings exceed SGA without proper reporting
- Termination of benefits if SSA determines you are engaging in substantial work activity
Always consult with a professional before changing your work status.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we assist Washington SSDI beneficiaries by:
- Explaining SSA’s complex work incentive rules in clear terms
- Helping you plan a safe return to part-time work while protecting your benefits
- Ensuring your income is reported accurately to avoid overpayments or disruptions in payments
- Advising on deductions for impairment-related work expenses to keep your countable income within limits
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re considering part-time work while on SSDI in Washington, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We’ll guide you to make informed decisions that support your financial goals without jeopardizing your disability benefits.
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