Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits in Maryland?
Social Security Disability can be a lifeline for those who cannot work full-time due to an impairment. However, many recipients ask a critical question—can you work part-time or earn income without jeopardizing your benefits?
Understanding how federal regulations intersect with Maryland laws is no small task and often requires the support of a seasoned legal team. If you're wondering how to strike the right balance or avoid mistakes, you've come to the right place.
At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, we help clients in Towson, Maryland, and nationwide with Social Security Disability (SSD) claims. With decades of experience, we have guided countless clients through complicated disability cases, striving for results that matter.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
Before we discuss employment options, you must understand Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. These benefits are designed to assist individuals who cannot work due to a severe medical condition.
If approved, these benefits can provide monthly payments to ease the financial burden of an inability to maintain steady employment.
Your disability must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definitions and eligibility requirements to qualify for SSD benefits.
The SSA offers two types of benefits:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Available to individuals who have worked and contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Designed for disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of prior work history.
Can You Work While Receiving SSD Benefits?
Yes, it is possible to work while receiving SSD benefits, but there are strict limits and conditions to be mindful of. The SSA allows recipients to engage in certain kinds of employment under its "Ticket to Work" program and guidelines for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SSA uses SGA as a threshold to determine if work qualifies as substantial employment. For 2025:
If your earned income exceeds $1,620 per month ($2,700 for blind individuals), the SSA may consider you capable of substantial work and ineligible for benefits beyond that amount.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
If you wish to test your ability to return to work, you can participate in the Trial Work Period (TWP). The SSA allows nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window to earn above the TWP monthly limit ($1,050 in 2023) without losing SSD benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After completing the Trial Work Period, the SSA offers an Extended Period of Eligibility, lasting 36 months. During this phase, your benefits may stop for any month when your income exceeds the SGA level. However, the safety net of reinstating benefits if your income dips below the SGA remains in place during this period.
How Work Affects SSI Benefits
SSI works a bit differently from SSDI. It’s a need-based program, so any income you earn will likely reduce your benefits. The SSA excludes the first $85 of monthly income and then reduces SSI payments by $0.50 for every additional dollar earned. While the amount you receive might decrease, maintaining SSI eligibility becomes a balancing act.
Maryland Laws and SSD Benefits
Whether you're pursuing part-time employment or just curious about your legal protections, it's important to understand both the SSA guidelines and Maryland’s employment laws.
Federal rules govern SSD benefits, but state law is also relevant, especially when it comes to workplace rights for individuals with disabilities. Maryland's Disability Employment Law ensures equal access and protection for workers, including those receiving SSD benefits, under state enforcement of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Key aspects include:
Workplace accommodations: Under Maryland law, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively.
Employment protections: Maryland does not permit discrimination based on disability status, which includes individuals looking to test their ability to work while on SSD benefits.
State subsidies and vocational support: Maryland encourages workforce participation through state-run programs offering job coaching, skills assessment, and placement services for disabled individuals exploring part-time work.
The Risks of Working While on SSD Benefits
While earning income can seem appealing, you must be careful. Missteps—such as earning above allowable thresholds or failing to properly report income to the SSA—can result in benefit termination or potential penalties. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:
Failing to report income: All employment, regardless of the amount, must be reported to avoid compliance issues.
Mismanagement of the Trial Work Period: Not keeping track of TWP months could lead to misunderstanding when limits apply.
Excluding income from a side business: Income from self-employment counts as earnings, even if it's periodic or irregular.
The good news? These risks can be effectively managed with legal guidance and a clear understanding of your responsibilities.
How We Can Help You
At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, we tailor strategies aligning with SSA rules regarding work and SSD benefits. Our legal team will evaluate:
Whether participating in the SSA's work programs suits your circumstances.
How to report earnings, avoid overpayments, and minimize stress related to employer expectations.
Whether state laws such as Maryland’s Disability Employment framework offer additional protections or opportunities you should consider.
Social Security Disability Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide
At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, we bring over 100 years of combined legal knowledge to each case. This experience allows us to assist clients in resolving complicated legal disputes and addressing disability-related issues. Our attorneys thrive on tackling challenging cases in Maryland and nationwide.
Our commitment to personalized representation ensures that you receive the attention and dedication you deserve. Call today to learn how we can help you protect your rights and maximize your benefits.