SSDI Earnings Limit Checker — 2026 SGA Calculator
Work part-time without the panic. See exactly how your check is affected.
1Your Situation
Before taxes are taken out.
Trial Work Period?
In your first 9 months of work?
Statutory Blind?
Blind limits are higher.
Costs you pay for work because of your disability (meds, specialized transport, etc).
SSDI EARNINGS LIMIT
The 2026 monthly earnings limit (SGA) for SSDI is $1690. Enter your monthly gross pay to check if your benefits are safe.
Social Security 2026 SGA & Work Limits Table
Below are the official Social Security Administration (SSA) limits and thresholds for 2026. Knowing these numbers is crucial if you plan to work while receiving benefits:
| Threshold / Limit Type | 2026 Monthly Limit | Impact on Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| SSDI SGA Limit (Non-Blind) | $1,690 | Earning over this risks benefits suspension |
| SSDI SGA Limit (Statutorily Blind) | $2,830 | Higher limit specifically for blind recipients |
| Trial Work Period (TWP) Trigger | $1,110 | Earnings above this count as 1 of your 9 trial months |
| SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) | $967 (Individual) / $1,450 (Couple) | Base monthly benefit amount before reductions |
How the Trial Work Period (TWP) Works
The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work. During this period, you can earn any amount of money and keep your full SSDI check.
The TWP lasts for 9 active months (which do not have to be consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window. A month only counts towards your TWP if your gross earnings exceed the trigger threshold ($1,110 in 2026). Once you complete all 9 months, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), where the strict SGA limit ($1,690 in 2026) is applied.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
If you have expenses related to your medical condition that you pay out of pocket in order to work, you can deduct them from your gross monthly earnings. This lowers your countable earnings, potentially keeping you below the SGA limit. Examples include co-pays for prescription drugs, specialized transportation costs, or physical therapy sessions required to keep working.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Q:What is the SGA limit for 2026?
For 2026, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals.
Q:What is the Trial Work Period (TWP)?
The Trial Work Period is a 9-month window where you can earn any amount without losing SSDI. In 2026, any month you earn over $1,110 triggers a Trial Work month.
Q:Can I deduct work expenses from my countable earnings?
Yes. Under Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), you can deduct costs for items or services you need to work (e.g., specialized transit or medication) from your countable income.
Q:How does earned income affect my SSI payments?
For SSI, Social Security excludes the first $85 of earned income and reduces your monthly check by $1 for every $2 earned above that amount.
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Disclaimer: RetireGrid is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SGA limits and calculations shown are estimates based on the SSA's published 2026 limits. Last updated: January 2026.