1. Eligibility Requirements for SSDI in Texas

To qualify for SSDI benefits in Texas, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Work credits: The applicant must have worked enough years in a job covered by Social Security, earning work credits based on their wages.
• Disability status: The applicant must have a disability that meets Social Security's strict definition of "disability," meaning it must prevent them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Duration of the disability: The disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
• Age and work restrictions: SSDI eligibility can be affected by age, especially if the applicant is attempting to return to work while receiving benefits.

2. How Work Restrictions Affect SSDI Eligibility

Work restrictions are a critical factor in determining eligibility for SSDI:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you earn above a certain monthly income (the SGA limit), you may no longer be eligible for SSDI benefits. In 2025, this limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals.
• Trial Work Period (TWP): SSDI recipients can attempt to work for up to 9 months while still receiving benefits, as long as earnings don’t exceed the monthly threshold. This allows individuals to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
• Extended period of eligibility: After the trial work period, you may still be eligible for benefits for up to 36 months, depending on your earnings and work activities, but earning above the SGA limit may result in a reduction or termination of benefits.

3. Impact of Returning to Work on SSDI Benefits

Returning to work can be challenging for SSDI recipients, especially in Texas:

• Work incentives: SSDI recipients can access work incentives like the Ticket to Work program, which helps with job training and placement without immediately affecting benefits.
• Reporting requirements: You must report any income or work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid overpayments and potential penalties.
• Income limits: Even after the trial work period, if your income exceeds the SGA limit, SSDI benefits can be stopped, requiring careful planning before resuming full-time work.

4. How SSDI and Work Restrictions Affect Financial Support

Work restrictions can have both positive and negative impacts on financial support:

• Income supplements: SSDI benefits can act as a financial cushion while you transition back to work, allowing individuals to gradually increase their work hours without losing all financial support.
• Potential for benefit termination: Earning above the SGA limit could result in SSDI benefits being terminated. However, some may qualify for Medicare or Medicaid coverage even after benefits end, depending on income and work activity.

5. Challenges When Navigating SSDI and Work Restrictions

While SSDI offers essential support, understanding the complex rules can present challenges:



• Work incentives confusion: Navigating the nuances of trial work periods and work incentives can be difficult, especially for those trying to return to work after a long disability.
• Income misreporting: Failing to report earnings or work activity can lead to overpayments, which must be repaid, or ineligibility for future benefits.
• Long approval times: The approval process for SSDI can take several months, and the application may be denied initially. Appeals are common, and it’s important to gather enough medical and work history evidence to strengthen the case.