Work Incentives and Trial Work Period

Texas SSDI recipients can:

• Use a trial work period to test working for up to 9 months without losing benefits.
• Earn any amount during these months without immediate impact on SSDI payments.
• Report earnings to SSA to stay compliant and avoid overpayments.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

SSDI benefits in Texas may be affected if:

• Your monthly earnings exceed the SGA amount set by SSA (usually adjusted yearly).
• This level signals the SSA you may no longer be disabled.
• Once over SGA, your benefits can be suspended or terminated.

Continuing Disability Review (CDR)

The SSA may:

• Conduct a CDR to evaluate if you still meet disability criteria after returning to work.
• Request medical or employment information to assess your condition and earnings.
• Decide whether to continue or discontinue SSDI based on this review.

Reporting Requirements

To avoid issues, you must:

• Notify the SSA promptly about any work or income changes.
• Keep detailed records of your earnings and work activities.
• Consult with an SSA representative if unsure about work impact on benefits.

Impact of Earnings Above Limits

If your earnings exceed limits:

• Your SSDI payments may be suspended or stopped completely.
• You might owe repayment of benefits if you fail to report income timely.
• Understanding limits helps plan a safe transition back to work.