What income affects SSDI benefits in Indiana?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 09/19/2025
If you are receiving or applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Indiana, it’s important to understand how different types of income can affect your eligibility and monthly benefit amount. While SSDI is based on your work history and disability status, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers certain income sources when determining whether you can continue receiving benefits.
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Earned Income and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SSA uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to measure your work income. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you are blind).
- Income that counts toward SGA includes:
- Wages from employment
- Net earnings from self-employment
- Bonuses, commissions, or tips
If you earn above the SGA limit, the SSA may decide that you are able to work at a substantial level and therefore do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
Unearned Income
Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not needs-based, so most unearned income does not affect your monthly SSDI benefit amount. However, it is still important to know what is counted.
- Income that does NOT affect SSDI benefits includes:
- Investment income (stocks, dividends, interest)
- Rental income (unless it requires significant work from you)
- Pensions or retirement benefits
- Gifts, inheritances, or spousal income
These sources do not reduce SSDI benefits but could impact your taxes.
Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
SSDI offers programs that allow you to try working without immediately losing your benefits:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): You can test your ability to work for up to 9 months within a 60-month period, regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your income.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After your TWP, you get 36 months where you can still receive benefits for any month your income falls below SGA.
This flexibility helps Indiana residents gradually re-enter the workforce without risking immediate loss of SSDI benefits.
Other Factors That May Affect SSDI Benefits
- Workers’ compensation payments can sometimes reduce SSDI benefits if your combined benefits exceed 80% of your average current earnings before becoming disabled.
- Public disability benefits (from state or local governments) may also offset SSDI.
- Returning to work without properly reporting income can result in overpayments and possible repayment obligations.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Understanding what income affects SSDI benefits in Indiana is crucial to protecting your financial security. At Hogan Smith, we provide guidance on:
- Which income sources may impact your benefits
- How to report earnings to the SSA
- Using trial work and return-to-work programs wisely
- Handling overpayment issues and appeals if benefits are reduced
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re unsure about how your income might impact your SSDI benefits in Indiana, don’t leave it to chance. Call Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate the income rules, safeguard your benefits, and plan your financial future with confidence.
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