Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to decide if you are still disabled.

• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most recipients and $2,590 per month if you are blind.
• If you consistently earn above this limit, the SSA may decide you are no longer eligible for SSDI.

Trial Work Period (TWP) in Ohio

The Trial Work Period lets you test your ability to work while still receiving SSDI benefits.

• You can work for 9 months (not necessarily in a row) and still receive full benefits, no matter how much you earn.
• Any month you earn over $1,110 (2025 amount) counts toward your 9 months.
• Once you complete the TWP, your case moves into the next stage—the Extended Period of Eligibility.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After your trial work period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.

• During this time, you will receive benefits for any month your earnings stay below the SGA limit.
• If your income rises above SGA, your benefits may stop.
• If your earnings later drop below SGA, your SSDI benefits can restart without reapplying.

Ohio’s Ticket to Work Program

Ohio residents can join the Ticket to Work Program, a voluntary SSA program designed to support a safe return to work. Benefits include:

• Free access to job training, vocational rehabilitation, and placement services.
• Ongoing support while transitioning back into the workforce.
• Protection of Medicare or Medicaid coverage during the work transition.

How Working Affects Medicare and Medicaid

Healthcare coverage is a major concern for SSDI recipients in Ohio.

• You can keep Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends.
• Ohio also offers Medicaid programs that allow disabled workers to keep coverage while working, as long as their income remains within certain limits.

Reporting Work Activity to the SSA

It is critical to report all work activity to the SSA, including:

• Starting or stopping a job.
• Monthly earnings and hours worked.
• Any significant changes in job duties.

Failure to report work can result in overpayments, which the SSA may demand you repay.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Believing part-time work does not need to be reported.
• Not keeping detailed records of wages and hours.
• Assuming Medicare or Medicaid ends immediately when you start working.