Types of Income That Affect SSDI Eligibility

1. Earned Income

This is the most important type of income SSA considers. Earned income refers to money you make from employment, such as:

• Wages or salary from a job
• Self-employment income
• Commissions, tips, or bonuses

If you're earning more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits (set annually by the SSA), your claim may be denied. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals and $2,590/month for blind individuals. Even part-time work can disqualify you if your income crosses this threshold.

2. Unearned Income (Generally Doesn't Affect SSDI Eligibility)

Some types of income do not typically affect eligibility but may still be reported, including:

• Interest and dividends from savings or investments
• Spousal income
• Rental income (if you're not actively managing the property)
• Workers' compensation (but may affect the amount you receive, not eligibility)
• VA benefits (you can receive both SSDI and VA)

Unlike SSI, SSDI doesn’t have strict asset or income limits for unearned income—SSA mainly looks at whether you're able to work and earn substantial income.

3. In-Kind Support or Other Benefits

Receiving food, housing, or other support from friends, family, or charitable organizations won’t typically affect your eligibility but may still be disclosed in some cases.

Special Rules for Work Incentives in South Carolina

SSA offers work incentive programs like trial work periods (TWP) and Ticket to Work, allowing you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. During a TWP, you can earn over the SGA limit for up to 9 months without being disqualified.



Still, navigating these rules can be tricky—especially if you're unsure what counts toward SGA or whether certain deductions apply.