If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Maine, you may wonder whether you can work without losing your benefits. The short answer is yes, you can work while on SSDI, but there are important income limits and program rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you need to follow. Understanding these rules can help you earn income while keeping your disability benefits secure.
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How SSDI Handles Work and Earnings
SSDI was created to support people who can’t work full-time because of a serious disability. However, SSA recognizes that some people may be able to work part-time or test their ability to return to the workforce. To balance this, SSA has work incentive programs that let you try working without immediately losing benefits.
The Trial Work Period in Maine
The most important rule is the Trial Work Period (TWP). This program allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving full SSDI benefits.
- In 2025, a trial work month is any month where you earn more than $1,110 (gross income).
- You are allowed 9 trial work months within a rolling 60-month period.
- During these months, you keep your SSDI benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you report your income to SSA.
What Happens After the Trial Work Period
Once you use your 9 trial work months, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):
- The EPE lasts 36 months.
- During this time, you still receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
- In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you are blind).
If your earnings consistently stay above the SGA limit after your trial period, your benefits may stop. But if your income drops below the limit, benefits can restart without needing a new application.
Reporting Your Work to SSA
If you start working in Maine while on SSDI, you must report your income promptly to SSA. Failure to report can lead to overpayments that you may have to repay. Reporting includes:
- Gross monthly earnings before taxes.
- Changes in hours or job duties.
- Any work-related expenses due to your disability.
Work Incentives That May Help
SSA also offers special work incentives that help SSDI recipients keep benefits longer, such as:
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Costs for items or services you need to work, like assistive devices or transportation, can be deducted from your income when SSA reviews eligibility.
- Continuation of Medicare: Even if your cash benefits stop, you may keep Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after your trial work period ends.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we help SSDI recipients in Maine understand their rights when working. Our team can:
- Explain how SSA’s work rules apply to your situation.
- Help you track income and expenses to stay within SSDI guidelines.
- Ensure your work activity is properly reported to SSA.
- Protect your benefits while you explore part-time or trial employment.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re asking, “Can I work while on SSDI in Maine?”, the answer is yes—but with specific limits. Don’t risk losing your benefits by making a mistake with reporting or income rules. Contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate SSDI work programs, safeguard your benefits, and plan for the future with confidence.
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