Each month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays various benefits to retirees in the United States, as well as to survivors, workers and people with disabilities. There are two benefits for the latter: Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) supports people who have a disability and have a work history, either through their own employment or that of a family member, spouse or parent. This benefit is determined based on disability and employment credits, so hours worked may affect these benefits.
How many hours can I work if I receive Social Security Disability?
Social Security Administration regulations allow up to 45 hours of work per month if the beneficiary is self-employed and on SSDI. That is about 10 hours per week. The SSA also considers whether or not the beneficiary is the only person working for his or her employer.
For people who are not self-employed and are employed, the number of hours is less important. With that in mind, monthly income plays a larger role in determining eligibility. However, working too many hours could affect payments and Social Security could mistake the person for full-time employment and deny benefits.
On the other hand, to be eligible for a disability pension, a person need not be able to engage in substantial gainful employment (SGA). And if the beneficiary is self-employed and on SSDI, Social Security conducts one of two tests to determine whether he or she is engaged in SGA:
The countable earnings test.
The three tests, which include significant services and substantial earnings, comparability test, and work value test.
Needless to say, the SSA use test depends on the details of employment, e.g., when you started your business and how long you have received SSDI. If any of the three tests show that the person deserves SGA, they will not receive Social Security disability benefits.