What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to measure your ability to work.

• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most people and $2,590 per month if you are blind.
• If you consistently earn more than this, the SSA may consider you no longer disabled.

The Trial Work Period (TWP) in Ohio

The Trial Work Period gives Ohio SSDI recipients the chance to try working again without losing benefits.

• You can test working for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive).
• During this time, you receive full SSDI benefits regardless of income.
• Any month you earn over $1,110 (2025 amount) counts toward the 9-month limit.

The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing your Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.

• If your earnings stay below SGA, you continue receiving benefits.
• If your earnings rise above SGA, your benefits may be suspended.
• If your income later drops below SGA, your benefits can restart without a new application.

The Ticket to Work Program in Ohio

Ohio residents can participate in the Ticket to Work Program, a voluntary SSA program that:

• Provides free job training and placement support.
• Helps SSDI recipients return to work gradually.
• Protects access to Medicare and Medicaid while you transition.

This program is especially helpful if you want to explore part-time or full-time employment opportunities without risking your benefits immediately.

Impact on Medicare and Medicaid

One major concern for many SSDI recipients is healthcare coverage.

• If you return to work, you usually keep Medicare coverage for at least 93 months after your trial work period.
• Ohio also has programs that allow disabled workers with low income to maintain Medicaid eligibility even while earning wages.

Reporting Work to the SSA

To avoid problems, you must report all work activity to the SSA, including:

• Start and stop dates of employment.
• Monthly earnings and hours worked.
• Changes in job duties or wages.

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming part-time work does not need to be reported.
• Not keeping records of pay stubs or job offers.
• Believing medical reviews stop once you’re approved.

Even small reporting errors can jeopardize your benefits.