I just got a letter from SSA saying that they my suspended my SSDI I am worried that I will lose it I work part time and only work part time hours what should I do

Hi,

I can't really give you any specific advice without a lot of additional information about your circumstances. I assume you mean that your benefits were suspended due to your work and earnings as opposed to medical improvement.

When you first begin working after starting to draw Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you get a 9-month trial work period (TWP) during which your SSDI benefits would not be affected no matter how much you earn. After the TWP is completed, Social Security looks at your average monthly earnings when determining whether or not your work is substantial gainful activity (SGA). If it is, your period of disability is determined to have ceased. Your benefits would then be suspended or terminated after a 3 month grace period. However, you get at least a 36 month extended period of eligibility (EPE) starting with the end of your TWP during which your SSDI benefits can be paid for any months in which you earn below the SGA limit (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf).

If your benefits have been suspended but you're still within your EPE, then Social Security should reinstate your benefits if your monthly earnings fall below the SGA limit. The SGA limit in 2019 is $1220, but it will go up to $1260 in 2020. Assuming that you're working for wages, the countable amount is your gross monthly wages prior to any deductions.

Best, Jerry