Can I work and receive SSI and/or SSDI?

Can I work and still receive SSI and/or SSDI?

Yes.  If you receive SSI or SSDI, you can still work and receive the monthly financial benefit, but for each program, there are rules on how much you can earn.

Working While on SSI

How much will my SSI payment be reduced if I work?

SSI allows $85 ($20 general income monthly exemption and $65 earned income monthly exemption) of your income without penalty. Any additional income reduces SSI by $.50 for every $1 earned.

You can calculate what will be subtracted from SSI this way: (Monthly income – $85) ÷ 2

NOTE: If SSI is reduced by earned income to $0 for a month, your Medicaid payment may be jeopardized.

Additional Resources

• Information on fibrous dysplasia and McCune-Albright syndrome 
• Watch FD/MAS Alliance videos about Federal Disability Benefit Programs
• Learn the difference between SSI and SSDI
• Find your local social security office in this directory Social Security Disability Website
• AARP Social Security Resource Center/Disability Benefits
• Slides from Disability Benefits 101
• Slides for Disability Benefits 102: Working While on Benefits
• Benefits Planning Calendar (per slide 34 of Disability Benefits 102)

FD/MAS Alliance is a recipient of the Financial Advocacy in RARE Impact Grant sponsored by Global Genes.  Thanks to this award, FD/MAS Financial Literacy 101 is made possible.  We thank Michael Beloff, CFP®, ChSNC® Belvedere Wealth Partners, for donating his time and financial expertise and Caroline Fuchs, CAE, for contributing her time, communications, and digital strategy expertise to the FD/MAS community for this resource.