If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration for a condition that has caused you to be unable to work, those benefits are probably an important source of financial support for you and your family. They can reduce stress and ensure that you can provide for yourself and those you love while you’re unable to work.

If you find yourself in this situation, you probably want to do all you can to ensure that you continue to receive those benefits. It’s understandable, then, that you may wonder what will happen to your benefits if you can eventually return to work or earn income in some way. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.

Social Security Return to Work Incentives

For those who are considering a return to work after a period of disability, there is some good news. The Social Security Administration wants people to return to work and actually offers a variety of incentives to encourage and assist them in doing so. Two of the primary incentives provided include:

The Trial Work Period:

Although the Social Security Administration wants disabled individuals to attempt to return to work if possible, it also recognizes that reintegration into the workforce requires a period of adjustment. To help with that adjustment period, the Social Security Administration created the trial work period. The trial work period allows disabled individuals the opportunity to attempt a return to work for a certain length of time while continuing to receive the full amount of their disability benefits as usually scheduled.

The trial work period is generally a span of nine months spread out over a period of no more than five years. These months do not necessarily have to be consecutive. A disabled person can attempt to work for a few months and may determine that the particular job is not the best fit. In that case, they would have several months remaining over the five-year period to attempt a return to work again. After the trial work period ends, a transition to full-time work is an option, if available.

The Ticket to Work Program:

The Ticket to Work Program is intended to offer assistance and encouragement to people who are ages 18 to 64 and want to attempt to return to work. The Ticket to Work program offers a variety of resources, including vocational rehabilitation, on-the-job training, networking and job search services, necessary job accommodations, and more. While individuals participate in the Ticket to Work program, they can continue receiving the full amount of their disability benefits as regularly scheduled. Participation in the Ticket to Work Program is free. Those interested in learning more can visit http://www.choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work helpline at 1–866–968–7842.

Regardless of whether you choose to participate in a trial work period, the Ticket to Work program, or both, it’s important to realize that there are certain earning limits that will eventually apply.

What Are the Earning Limits?

Although the Social Security Administration does offer certain incentives to encourage a return to work, it is also important to keep in mind that there will ultimately be limits on how much and how long an individual can earn before disability benefits will eventually cease. This limit is known as the “substantial gainful activity” limit, or SGA limit for short.

The SGA limit is established by the Social Security Administration and is adjusted annually to reflect a variety of economic factors, including the changing cost of living. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1620 per month for a disabled individual who is not blind and $2700 per month for a blind person.

Those who are disabled and attempting to return to work should remember that after the initial incentives have ended, earning an income over these limits will generally mean a cessation of benefits. In the future, however, if your disability returns or worsens, you may be eligible to reapply.

Understandably, returning to work may be a great option for some, and not for others. Much will depend on your circumstances. Without question, the law can seem complex and confusing, and it can often be difficult to know which path to take. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry and wonder alone.

Contact A Disability Professional To Learn More

We know that it can be extremely frustrating to be unable to work as a result of a disability. We know that it can be difficult personally and financially. We understand that returning to work can be an appealing option, and we’re here to help you navigate that path and all of the other issues you might confront during the process of pursuing disability benefits. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here for you. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.