Author - Michele

Can I Work While on SSDI? Real Job & Side Income Examples (2026)

Michele2025-12-18T09:17:14-05:00“I know the rules in theory - but can I actually work without losing SSDI?” If you’re on SSDI, you’ve probably Googled some version of this at least once: Can I work while on SSDI? Can I earn money on SSDI? Will this job mess up...

SSI Income Math Explained (2026): Real Monthly Examples That Actually Make Sense

Michele2025-12-18T08:52:32-05:00“Everyone says SSI income rules are confusing… but no one shows the math.” If you’ve ever tried to look up how income affects SSI, you’ve probably run into one of two things: dense charts with no context vague statements like “your benefit may be reduced” Neither of...

What Happens After the Trial Work Period Ends on SSDI

Michele2025-12-18T08:37:08-05:00“My Trial Work Period is almost over… now what?” This is the point where most SSDI recipients freeze. You’ve tested work.You’ve earned some money.You know the Trial Work Period (TWP) doesn’t last forever. And now the question gets louder: “What happens after the Trial Work Period ends - do...

Self-Employment Income on SSDI: How SSA Actually Evaluates It

Michele2025-12-18T08:19:26-05:00“I’m not ‘working’ in the normal sense - I’m self-employed. Does that change anything?” If you’re on SSDI and thinking about self-employment, you’ve probably noticed something unsettling: The advice online gets very confident and very wrong very quickly. You’ll hear things like: “Self-employment doesn’t count the same.” “As...

Reporting Income to SSA: Timing Mistakes That Cause Problems

Michele2025-12-18T07:54:14-05:00“I reported my income… so why does it feel like SSA is still confused?” This is one of the most frustrating things people experience on SSDI or SSI. You earn money.You report it.Nothing happens. Then - weeks or months later - you get a letter asking questions that...

How Often SSA Checks Income (Real Timelines for SSI & SSDI in 2026)

Michele2025-12-18T07:39:38-05:00“If SSA isn’t checking constantly… why do problems show up months later?” This question comes up over and over, and it usually sounds like this: “I earned some money, nothing happened… then months later I got a letter.So are they watching me or not?” The short answer:No, SSA...

Reporting Income to SSA: What Actually Happens (And Why Timing Matters More Than Amount)

Michele2025-12-18T07:23:37-05:00“I reported my income, so why is SSA asking about it now?” This is one of the most common, unsettling experiences people have on SSI or SSDI. You earn some money.You report it.Everything seems fine. Then - months later - a letter arrives asking questions that make it...

Does This Count as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)? Real SSDI Examples for 2026

Michele2025-12-18T06:48:40-05:00“Everyone keeps saying ‘just stay under SGA’  -  but no one explains what that actually means.” If you’re on SSDI and trying to earn money, you’ve probably heard this phrase more times than you can count: “As long as you stay under SGA, you’re fine.” Okay… but what...

Passive Income on SSDI, SSI, and SNAP: What Actually Counts (2026)

Michele2025-12-17T09:48:24-05:00“People keep telling me passive income doesn’t count… but SSA told me it does.” If you’ve ever asked something like: “What if I write a book, list it on Amazon, and just collect royalties?”“What if I sell digital downloads?”“What if I make money while I sleep -...

Trial Work Period (TWP): What It Actually Means for SSDI in 2026

Michele2025-12-17T09:50:01-05:00“I keep hearing about the Trial Work Period… but no one explains what it looks like in real life.” If you’re on SSDI and thinking about earning money, the Trial Work Period (TWP) is usually the first thing people mention - and the least clearly explained. Most...

The Complete Guide to ABLE Accounts: How People on Disability Can Save, Invest, and Stay Safe on Benefits

Michele2025-11-25T05:09:05-05:00If you’ve spent years being told you “can’t save money” because of disability rules, an ABLE account feels almost unbelievable.Most people on SSDI or SSI don’t even know these accounts exist - or that they are legally allowed to save thousands of dollars without putting...