ΣBenefitMath

FederalSame rules in every state

How Much Can I Work on SSI or SSDI?

See what a paycheck does to your SSI or SSDI in 2026: how much you keep, when a trial work month is used, and the earnings level where each benefit stops.

For one person, by month, using Social Security's 2026 work rules. Medicaid limits are shown for Oregon and Washington. Tap any § label to see the rule.

Your benefits
Months in the last 5 years when you earned over the trial work amount.
Not wages or SSDI: for example a pension or child support.
Your work
Things you pay for yourself so you can work, like a job coach, special transportation or medication. SSA has to approve them.

Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Common questions

Not sure which benefit you have? Read SSI vs. SSDI: what's the difference?

How much can I earn on SSI?

SSI doesn't count the first $20 of income, the first $65 of earnings, and half of the rest. With the 2026 maximum of $994, each $2 you earn above about $85 a month lowers SSI by about $1, so working always leaves you with more. For someone with no other income, SSI stops at about $2,073 a month in earnings, and Medicaid can continue well past that.

How much can I earn on SSDI?

SSDI doesn't shrink as you earn. Instead, it watches two numbers. In 2026, any month you earn over $1,210 uses one of 9 trial work months, and SSDI keeps paying in full. After those 9 months, SSDI isn't paid for months when your earnings, minus disability-related work costs, are over $1,690 ($2,830 if blind).

What happens after my trial work period?

A 36-month extended period of eligibility starts. SSDI is paid for any month you earn under the limit and stops for months over it. The first month over the limit, plus the next two, are still paid as a grace period. If your benefits end and you have to stop working within 5 years, you can ask for expedited reinstatement instead of reapplying.

Will I lose Medicaid or Medicare if I work?

Usually not right away. If you got SSI, Section 1619(b) keeps Medicaid while your earnings stay under a state threshold: $47,856 a year in Oregon and $73,897 in Washington for 2026. With SSDI, Medicare continues for at least 93 months after your trial work period ends, as long as you still have a disability.

What are impairment-related work expenses?

Costs you pay yourself because of your disability so you can work, such as a job coach, special transportation, or medication. SSA subtracts them from your earnings when deciding the SSDI limit, and excludes them for SSI. Keep receipts and tell SSA.

Can I save money without losing SSI?

Yes, with an ABLE account. The first $100,000 in one doesn't count toward SSI's $2,000 resource limit. Starting in 2026, your disability must have begun before age 46, and up to $20,000 a year can go in.

Do I have to report my earnings?

Yes. Report your pay to Social Security every month for SSI, and report work promptly for SSDI. Late reporting is the most common cause of overpayments you'd have to pay back.

What if I get both SSI and SSDI?

SSDI counts as unearned income for SSI, so after the $20 exclusion it lowers SSI dollar for dollar. Your earnings then follow both sets of rules at once. Choose "Both" above to see the combined result.

Sources9 sources · checked October 12, 2026

Every figure on this page links to one of these. Tap any source label to see what it says. All checked October 12, 2026.

  • Substantial gainful activity amountsSocial Security Administration2026 SGA: $1,690 a month, or $2,830 if you are blind.
  • Trial work periodSocial Security AdministrationIn 2026, a month with earnings over $1,210 counts as a trial work month.
  • Red Book: SSDI employment supportsSocial Security Administration9 trial work months within a 60-month window, counted on gross earnings, with full SSDI. Then a 36-month extended period of eligibility: no check for months over SGA, a check for months under it. The first SGA month plus 2 more are paid (grace period). Expedited reinstatement within 5 years; Medicare continues at least 93 months after the trial work period.
  • Red Book: Impairment-related work expensesSocial Security AdministrationWork costs you pay because of your impairment, without reimbursement, are subtracted from earnings when SSA decides SGA for SSDI, and are excluded from earnings for SSI.
  • SSI amounts for 2026Social Security AdministrationMaximum federal SSI payment: $994 a month for one person, $1,491 for a couple.
  • Understanding SSI: incomeSocial Security AdministrationSSI doesn't count the first $20 of most income, the first $65 of earnings and half of the rest, impairment-related and blind work expenses, and, for students under 22, up to $2,410 a month of earnings ($9,730 a year) in 2026.
  • Red Book: SSI employment supportsSocial Security AdministrationThe student exclusion comes off first; the $20 exclusion applies to unearned income first and any rest to earnings; then $65, then half of what's left. Under 1619(a), SSI keeps paying when earnings are at the SGA level.
  • Continued Medicaid eligibility (Section 1619(b))Social Security Administration2026 threshold amounts: $47,856 in Oregon and $73,897 in Washington. You must have been eligible for SSI for at least a month, still have a disability, meet other SSI rules, need Medicaid to work, and have earnings too low to replace SSI, Medicaid and attendant care.
  • ABLE accounts expanded on January 1, 2026The ArcDisability must begin before age 46. Up to $20,000 a year can go in, more for some working account owners. The first $100,000 doesn't count toward SSI's resource limit.