Understanding Work and SSDI in Kansas

SSDI is designed for people who cannot work full-time due to a disability. However, you may still work part-time as long as your income does not exceed SSA’s guidelines.

Key considerations include:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): In 2025, earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind) may cause benefits to stop.
• Trial Work Period (TWP): You can test your ability to work for 9 months (within a 5-year window) while still receiving full SSDI benefits, no matter how much you earn.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the TWP, you get a 36-month safety net where benefits continue for any month your earnings fall below SGA.
• Kansas Employment Programs: In addition to SSA rules, Kansas offers vocational rehabilitation services and employment support to help disabled workers return to work safely.

How Working Impacts Your Benefits

• If you consistently earn above SGA, your SSDI payments may stop.
• If your condition worsens and you stop working, benefits can usually restart without a new application.
• Reporting your earnings to SSA is required to avoid overpayments or benefit loss.

Tips for Working While on SSDI in Kansas

• Keep track of all income and work hours.
• Report earnings promptly to SSA to avoid complications.
• Use trial work months wisely to test your work capacity.
• Seek advice from a disability attorney if unsure about your situation.