Generally, a claimant can continue to work and collect disability benefits.  Social Security (SSA) allows a claimant receiving social security disability income (SSDI)  a trial work period (TWP) of up to nine months earning  $810  per month or more before they will terminate your entitlement to benefits.  Claimants receiving supplemental security income (SSI) are subject to different rules and must report all income.

During the application process, an individual seeking SSDI and earning more than $1090 per month in 2015 or $1,130  in 2016 will be considered to be engaging in substantial gainful employment.  If a person earns more than the SGA threshold for more than three months in a row, the application will be terminated as the claimant will have established an ability to work on a competitive and sustained basis. Keep in mind SSDI applicants are seeking benefits based on their work history and quarters paid into the system.  Generally, in 2015 earnings of $1,220 constituted a quarter and $1,260 will constitute a quarter in 2016.

Individuals seeking SSI cannot have income or assets in excess of $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 for a married person.  SSI recipients receive Medicaid as opposed to SSDI recipients who receive Medicare.  Individuals receiving SSI receive $733.00 per month.  Again, an SSI recipient can still work, but all income must be reported as their monetary benefit will be reduced by their earnings.

The rules and regulations governing work and earnings can be complicated.  Consult with an attorney before you take an action which may jeopardize the viability of your claim!