Many people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Maryland wonder if they can work without losing their benefits. The answer is yes—but there are strict rules and limits you must follow. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows some work activity, but only under certain income thresholds and trial programs.
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The Trial Work Period (TWP)
- The SSA gives SSDI recipients a Trial Work Period where you can test your ability to work.
- During this period, you can earn any amount of money for 9 months within a 60-month window and still keep your SSDI benefits.
- For 2025, any month where you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits
- After the Trial Work Period, the SSA reviews your earnings under Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules.
- In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind.
- If your income is above the SGA level, you may no longer qualify for SSDI.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
- Once your Trial Work Period ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
- During this time, you can still receive benefits for any month you earn below the SGA limit.
- If your income goes above SGA, your benefits may stop—but they can restart if your earnings fall below the limit again.
Reporting Your Work to the SSA
If you live in Maryland and work while on SSDI, it is very important to:
- Report your earnings monthly to the SSA,
- Submit pay stubs or proof of income,
- Inform SSA about changes in your job, hours, or wages.
Failing to report work activity could result in overpayments, which you would have to repay.
State Resources in Maryland
- Maryland offers programs that may support disabled workers, such as Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), which helps people with disabilities prepare for and find employment.
- These programs can be used alongside SSDI to help individuals return to the workforce safely.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Maryland SSDI recipients understand how working affects their benefits. Our team will:
- Explain the rules of trial work, SGA, and extended eligibility,
- Help you report your income correctly,
- Protect your benefits while you explore work opportunities,
- Represent you if the SSA questions your work activity.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Working while on SSDI in Maryland is possible—but the rules can be complicated. Hogan Smith can guide you so you can earn income without risking your benefits. Call today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your SSDI support.
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