Larry hi. I'm on Social security disability. How much can I make while I'm on disability without any penalties. And can I work while I'm on disability. Is it a monthly amount or a specific dollar amount over and above your disability. Thank you in advance for answering.

Hi. The full answer to your question is complex and depends on whether or not you've previously worked while receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. People receiving SSDI are first eligible for a 9-month trial work period (TWP) during which they can earn any amount without losing their SSDI benefits. After the TWP is completed, though, a person can't continue to perform what Social Security classifies as substantial gainful activity (SGA) without being subject to having their SSDI benefits suspended or terminated.

The current monthly earnings amount that is considered to be SGA is anything over $1310 per month. That amount is separate from your SSDI benefit amount. In other words, regardless of how much you receive in SSDI benefits, you can generally earn up to an additional $1310 per month without losing any SSDI benefits. For more detailed information, refer to the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

Best, Jerry