Q: Effect of paid employment on SSDI benefits in Ohio.
I am currently a finance officer at an American Legion in Toledo, Ohio, and I've been a volunteer there for two years. I am receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Legion now wants to put me on the payroll and deduct taxes from my income. I am concerned about whether this change from volunteer to paid employee will affect my SSDI benefits. Specifically, I'm interested in understanding if there are annual income limitations or other considerations I should be aware of that could impact my eligibility for disability benefits.
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A:
Transitioning from volunteer to paid employment can impact your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, depending on your earnings and work activity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets limits on how much you can earn while still receiving full disability benefits. For 2025, the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is typically around $1,550 for non-blind recipients; earning more than this monthly threshold could affect your eligibility for SSDI.
The SSA provides a Trial Work Period (TWP), allowing you to test your ability to work for up to nine months without losing your SSDI benefits, regardless of income earned during those months. For 2025, any month where you earn more than approximately $1,110 counts toward your Trial Work Period. Once your nine-month trial concludes, continued earnings above the SGA limit could lead to a reduction or cessation of your SSDI payments.
You should carefully monitor your monthly income and promptly report any changes in employment status or earnings to the SSA to ensure compliance and avoid potential overpayments. Consider contacting your local Social Security office in Toledo or consulting an SSA representative directly to discuss your specific situation in detail. Taking these steps will help you maintain your SSDI eligibility while navigating this important transition in your employment.
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