An applicant for disability benefits through the Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or SSI programs must be making less than $1,180 per month (up from $1,170 per month in 2017) to qualify for benefits. (Blind applicants can make up to $1,970 per month). Anyone working above those limits is considered to be doing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA).

People who are currently receiving SSDI who attempt to return to work through a trial work program will have a month count as a trial work period month if they make more than $850 per month (up from $840 per month in 2017).

For people who are receiving SSI, the new federal income limit for SSI is $750 per month, but complicated rules govern what income is countable and what income is not. Over half of the income made by an SSI recipient is not counted toward the limit, so you can actually receive SSI until you make up to $1,584 per month (if you have no other income). However, any income received between $0 and $1,584 will reduce the monthly benefit. In some states that make extra payments to SSI recipients, the income limit for SSI recipients may be higher.

The income exclusion amount for students receiving SSI is now $1,820 per month (up to an annual limit of $7,350).