Social security disability (SSD) is a program that provides monthly benefits to people who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment.
The amount of SSD benefits depends on several factors, such as your work history, your earnings record, and the severity of your disability.
However, SSD benefits do not intend to replace your full income, and they impose limits on how much you can earn while receiving them.
In this article, we will explain how much money you can make on social security, the 2023 SSDI pay chart, and how much you can earn while on social security in 2023.
![A picture with a social security form and 100 dollar notes.[photo courtesy: Evans Disability]](https://i0.wp.com/disabilityrightsgalaxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/How-much-can-I-earn-while-on-social-security-disability-in-2023.jpg?resize=840%2C473&ssl=1)
How much money can you make on social security?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses two different tests to determine how much money you can make on social security without affecting your SSD benefits:
- The SGA test measures whether your work activity is substantial enough to disqualify you from receiving SSD benefits. In 2023, the SGA limit is $1,350 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,260 per month for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, you are considered to be engaging in SGA and you are not eligible for SSD benefits.
- The TWP test allows you to test your ability to work for a limited time without losing your SSD benefits. In 2023, the TWP limit is $970 per month. You can work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period and still receive your full SSD benefits, regardless of how much you earn. However, once you complete your TWP, your SSD benefits will stop if you continue to work above the SGA level.
2023 SSDI pay chart
The amount of SSD benefits you receive depends on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled.
The SSA uses a formula to calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the base amount of your monthly benefit.
The PIA is adjusted annually based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which reflects the changes in inflation and consumer prices. In 2023, the COLA is 5.9%, which is the highest increase since 1982.
The following table shows the 2023 SSDI pay chart, which lists the PIA ranges and the corresponding monthly benefit amounts for different family situations.
| PIA Range | Individual | Couple | One Child | Two Children | Three Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300-$399 | $300 | $450 | $450 | $600 | $750 |
| $400-$499 | $400 | $600 | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| $500-$599 | $500 | $750 | $750 | $1,000 | $1,250 |
| $600-$699 | $600 | $900 | $900 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| $700-$799 | $700 | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
How much can I earn while on social security in 2023?
As we have seen, there are limits on how much you can earn while on social security disability in 2023.
However, these limits do not apply to all types of income. For example, you can receive income from sources such as investments, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental property without affecting your SSD benefits.
You can also deduct certain expenses from your earnings if they are related to your disability, such as special equipment, transportation, or medical services.
If you want to work while receiving SSD benefits, you should report your earnings and work activity to the SSA every month.
The SSA will review your situation and determine whether you are still eligible for SSD benefits or whether your benefits need to be reduced or suspended.
You should also inform the SSA if there are any changes in your disability status, medical condition, or personal information.
Conclusion
Social security disability is a valuable program that helps millions of Americans who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment.
However, it is important to understand how much you can earn while on social security disability in 2023 and how it affects your SSD benefits.
By following the rules and reporting your income and work activity to the SSA, you can avoid overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits.
You can also take advantage of the work incentives and support services that the SSA offers to help you transition back to work or increase your income.
If you have any questions or concerns about your SSD benefits, you can contact the SSA or consult a qualified disability attorney for guidance and assistance.