How much income can a SSDI recipient earn?

If you work while you are collecting disability benefits, special rules apply: Trial work period - you can work up to 9 months in any five year period and continue to collect disability benefits. There is no cap on your earnings during the 9 month trial work period. If you earn more than $640 in a month in 2007, that month counts as a trial work period month. In 2006, the trial work period trigger was $620. After you have used up your nine months you can earn up to the following without jeopardizing your benefits: 2007 - $900 per month

2006 - $860 per month If you earn more than the above limits for a particular month, you will be asked to repay Social Security for any disability benefits received during that month. SSA will literally review your earnings month by month - if you exceed the limit for a particular month, you will have to pay it back. In addition, if your earnings record shows a pattern of work, SSA will likely review your case to determine whether benefits should be stopped. Note that special rules apply for blind disability claimants.