Can I work part-time and get disability in Virginia?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 06/05/2025
If you're receiving Social Security Disability benefits in Virginia, you may be wondering whether you can still earn income through part-time work. The good news is: yes, you can work part-time under certain conditions. However, it’s important to understand the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules so you don’t risk losing your benefits.
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Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SSA uses a measure called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your work qualifies as "too much" to still be considered disabled:
- For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals and $2,590/month for blind individuals
- If you earn more than this threshold (before taxes), the SSA may decide you are no longer disabled and stop your benefits
Tip: If your part-time earnings stay below the SGA limit, you may still qualify to receive SSDI or SSI.
SSDI and Working Part-Time in Virginia
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you can:
- Work part-time while earning less than the SGA limit
- Participate in a Trial Work Period (TWP) — a 9-month window where you can test working at any income level without losing benefits
- After the TWP, the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) allows you to receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below SGA, for up to 36 months
Important: You must report all work activity to the SSA, even if it’s part-time or low income.
SSI and Part-Time Work in Virginia
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your part-time work income can affect your monthly payment:
- The SSA deducts a portion of your earnings from your SSI benefit
- The first $65 of monthly income (plus $20 from any source) is excluded
- After that, your SSI is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn
Example: If you earn $500/month from part-time work, your SSI check could be reduced by about $217.50.
Work Incentives and Support Programs
The SSA offers work incentives to help people return to work without losing their disability benefits too quickly. These include:
- Ticket to Work program – Offers free vocational training and job support
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) – Lets you deduct certain disability-related costs from your income
- Expedited Reinstatement – If benefits stop because of work and you become unable to continue, you can get benefits back without a new application
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help clients in Virginia understand how to work legally and safely while receiving disability benefits. Our team can:
- Explain SGA rules and how they apply to your situation
- Help you report your work activity properly to the SSA
- Protect your benefits while you pursue part-time employment
- Assist if your benefits are at risk due to income questions
- Represent you in case of overpayments or challenges from SSA
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Curious about working part-time while on disability in Virginia? Don’t make a move without a clear plan. Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation, and we’ll help you protect your benefits while building a more flexible future.
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