How can I check the status of my SSDI claim online in Illinois?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/11/2025
Can SSDI benefits be taken away if I go back to work in Massachusetts? In Massachusetts, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be affected if you return to work. While working, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your earnings to determine if you exceed the allowable limits. If your income is above the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, your SSDI benefits could be suspended or stopped. However, several work incentives and trial work periods exist to help you transition back to employment without immediately losing benefits.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Income Limits and SGA Threshold
In Massachusetts, if your earnings exceed the SSA's Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold:
- Your SSDI benefits may be reduced or terminated depending on how much you make.
- This threshold is updated annually to reflect economic changes.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
The SSA offers a trial work period allowing beneficiaries to:
- Test your ability to work for at least 9 months without losing benefits.
- Report your earnings without immediate benefit suspension.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After the trial work period, an extended period of eligibility begins which:
- Lasts for 36 months where benefits continue if your earnings are below SGA.
- Allows monthly reviews of your work activity and income.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
Massachusetts SSDI recipients may deduct certain expenses related to their disability like:
- Specialized equipment, assistive services, or medical expenses needed for work.
- These deductions can lower your countable earnings to maintain benefits longer.
Reporting Requirements
It's crucial to:
- Report any income or work changes promptly to the SSA to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Consequences of Earnings Above Limits
If you earn too much for an extended period:
- Your SSDI benefits could be suspended or stopped permanently unless your condition worsens.
- You have rights to appeal and request reconsideration if benefits are terminated.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Hogan Smith can help Massachusetts SSDI recipients understand how returning to work impacts their benefits by:
- Explaining how income limits and work incentives apply to your situation to protect your benefits.
- Assisting with timely and accurate reporting of your earnings to the SSA, ensuring compliance.
- Guiding you through the trial work period and how to take advantage of its protections.
- Providing support if your benefits are at risk of suspension or termination due to increased income, including appeals and hearings.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re unsure whether your SSDI benefits will be affected by returning to work in Massachusetts, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will help you understand your rights, evaluate your earnings, and ensure you maintain the maximum benefits possible.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you