How Much Money Can You Make on Social Security Disability?

Whether you’re eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), understanding the factors that determine your monthly payment can help you manage your finances more effectively. Each program has its own rules, and the amount you receive depends on your work history, income, and personal circumstances.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. If you’ve accumulated enough work credits and meet the medical eligibility requirements, you can qualify for monthly disability benefits. The amount you receive depends on your past earnings rather than your current financial situation.

How SSDI Benefits Are Calculated

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your earnings history to determine your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). Once your AIME is calculated, a formula is applied to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which represents your monthly benefit. This formula is progressive, meaning it provides a higher percentage of replacement income for lower earners.

For 2025, the average SSDI benefit is approximately $1,480 per month. However, the exact amount you’ll receive depends on your unique work history. The maximum SSDI benefit for this year is $3,627 per month, but only individuals with high lifetime earnings qualify for that amount.

Additional Benefits for Family Members

If you qualify for SSDI, your spouse or minor children may also be eligible to receive auxiliary benefits. These payments are typically a percentage of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but the total amount payable to your family is capped by the family maximum limit set by the SSA.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Unlike SSDI, SSI is a needs-based program designed to assist individuals with little to no income or financial resources. It does not rely on your work history. Instead, SSI benefits are based on financial need, and eligibility depends on strict income and asset limits.

Maximum SSI Benefit Amounts

The federal benefit rate (FBR) sets the baseline for monthly SSI payments. In 2025, the FBR is $914 for individuals and $1,371 for eligible couples. However, your actual SSI benefit may be reduced depending on your countable income. It’s important to understand which income the SSA counts and which it does not count. This distinction has a significant impact on your monthly benefit amount.

How Income Affects SSI Benefits

The SSA reduces your SSI payment by the amount of your countable income. Some types of income, such as the first $20 of most monthly income or the first $65 of earnings from work, are excluded from this calculation. After applying these exclusions, any remaining countable income reduces your SSI benefit on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

For example, if you have $200 in countable monthly income, your SSI payment as an individual would be reduced to $714 ($914 minus $200). It’s important to report all income to the SSA to avoid overpayment situations that may require repayment later.

State Supplements

In addition to the federal benefit, many states offer supplementary payments to SSI recipients. These amounts vary widely by state and can significantly increase your overall benefit. Some states administer their own programs, while others let the SSA handle the payments. Checking with your state’s guidelines can help you determine if you qualify for additional support.

Factors That Affect Your Disability Benefits

Many factors can influence the amount you receive from SSDI or SSI. Knowing these variables can help you anticipate and plan for potential changes to your benefits.

  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Each year, Social Security benefits typically increase to account for inflation. In 2025, the COLA is 2.5%, which may slightly boost your monthly payment.
  • Work Activity: If you attempt to return to work while receiving SSDI, the SSA provides incentives through the Trial Work Period (TWP) and other programs. However, exceeding certain income limits could result in reduced benefits. For SSI recipients, income from work can impact the amount of your payment, as discussed earlier.
  • Living Arrangements: Your SSI benefit may change if your living arrangements affect your financial need. For example, if someone else pays your housing expenses, the SSA may reduce your monthly benefit.
  • Overpayments and Adjustments: If the SSA determines you’ve been overpaid, your benefits could be reduced to recover the amount. Promptly reporting changes in income, assets, or living arrangements can help prevent this issue.

The Role Of Law Firm

If you’re unsure how much you’ll receive or you’re struggling to qualify for benefits, working with experienced disability attorneys can make a difference. At Law Firm, we focus on helping individuals like you secure the benefits you need. From gathering medical evidence to representing, you in appeals, our team can guide you through the process and help ensure your claim is handled properly.

Disability benefits can provide essential financial support, but the rules surrounding SSDI and SSI can feel overwhelming. With the right assistance, you can take steps to protect your income and focus on moving forward. If you’re ready to discuss your case or have questions about your benefits, Law Firm is here to help.