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Many of our clients come to us worried that their home or savings will disqualify them from receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). A common question is: “Can I have savings, property, or investments and still qualify for SSDI?” The answer is yes—because SSDI is not a needs-based program. We walk clients through the rules and help them feel confident about their financial future.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is a federal benefit available to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. Your eligibility for SSDI is based on your work history and medical condition, not your income or assets.
You Can Have Assets While on SSDI
Unlike other government programs, SSDI does not limit how much you can have in assets. This means you can receive SSDI benefits even if you:
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Own your home
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Have money in checking or savings accounts
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Hold stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts
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Possess valuable property or personal items
There are no asset tests for SSDI. The Social Security Administration does not look at your bank balances, investment accounts, or property ownership when determining eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Important Note: This information does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a separate program for individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does have strict asset limits, and having too many assets can cause you to be denied or lose your benefits. Learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI here.
Working While on SSDI: What You Need to Know
While assets won’t affect your SSDI eligibility, earned income from working can.
The Social Security Administration uses a standard called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your work activity is too much to continue receiving SSDI benefits.
1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
As of 2025, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if you're blind), Social Security generally considers that to be SGA—and you may become ineligible for SSDI benefits. This threshold is adjusted annually.
2. Trial Work Period (TWP)
If you attempt to return to work, Social Security allows a Trial Work Period. During this period, you can work and earn any amount of income for up to 9 months within a 60-month rolling window without losing your benefits.
In 2025, any month in which you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
3. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility. For 36 months, you can still receive SSDI benefits for any month in which your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
If your earnings rise above the SGA limit during this time, your benefits may stop—but can be quickly reinstated if your earnings later drop again.
4. Expedited Reinstatement
If your benefits stop because of earnings, but you become unable to work again within 5 years, you may qualify for expedited reinstatement of your SSDI benefits without having to file a new application.
Key Things to Keep In Mind
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You are allowed to own assets—including property, savings, and investments—while receiving SSDI.
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There is no limit on the amount of assets you can hold.
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Working while on SSDI is allowed, but your earnings must stay below the monthly SGA limit (unless you're in a trial or extended work period).
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Social Security provides work incentives and protections to help you attempt a return to work without immediately losing your benefits.
Need Help Understanding SSDI Rules?
Navigating the rules of SSDI can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to balance financial planning or a return to work. We have represented over 1,000 disability clients nationwide over the past 22 years, and can help you understand your rights, protect your benefits, and avoid unintended pitfalls.
Get started today by calling (575) 300-4000 to schedule your free consultation, or simply fill out our quick online form to connect with an experienced disability attorney. You can also download our free SSDI guide to discover important information the SSA doesn’t always make clear—so you can make confident, informed decisions about your benefits.
This article was reviewed by a licensed Social Security disability attorney for accuracy and updated for 2025 SSDI rules.
