Can you work while receiving Social Security Disability?

Yes, within limits, and the rules differ by program.

Earning above a set monthly amount — the “substantial gainful activity” level, adjusted each year — generally means a person is not considered disabled.

SSDI has work-incentive rules that let a person try working without immediately losing benefits: a trial period of several months at any earnings level, followed by a stretch where benefits continue in months that earnings stay below the threshold.

SSI reduces the monthly payment gradually as earnings rise, rather than cutting it off at once.

Any work and earnings must be reported to Social Security. And while a claim is still pending, working above the substantial-gainful-activity level undercuts the claim itself.