Let’s kick this off with the question everyone secretly wants to ask but is often too afraid to:

“Can I actually freelance on SSDI… or is that going to get me in trouble?”

And the honest answer is:
Yes – you can freelance on SSDI.
But (and this is a real “but,” not a scary one)…
there are things you need to know before you start so you don’t accidentally create stress for yourself down the road.

Think of this as the friend-to-friend guide:
No fear. No hype. No legalese. Just clarity.

The Emotional Side First (Because That’s the Real Story)

If you’re considering freelancing while on SSDI, chances are you’re juggling a mix of:

• wanting to feel useful or creative

• wanting extra money so life isn’t so tight

• wanting a project that gives you a sense of progress

• wanting some control over your financial life

• and not wanting to risk your benefits

These aren’t “big dreams” or “ambitions.”
They’re human desires.

And before we get into the rules, I want to say something clearly:

You are allowed to want better – even if you’re on SSDI.
You are allowed to earn something.
You are allowed to build a skill.
You are allowed to improve your situation slowly and safely.

Let’s get into the practical part now.

So… can you freelance on SSDI?

Yes. Absolutely. SSDI allows you to earn money as long as you stay under specific earned-income limits and document things correctly.

Freelancing is considered self-employment, not a job, so the SSA looks at it a little differently.

Here’s what actually matters (in plain English):

1. There’s a monthly income limit – but it’s higher than most people think

This is the big one.
While on SSDI (not SSI), you can typically earn under the SGA limit.

For example, in 2024 the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) level for non-blind individuals receiving SSDI is $1,550 per month in countable earnings (for employees) or net earnings from self-employment (after expenses are deducted). The exact number changes each year, so you’ll want to check the current guideline.

Also, with self-employment the SSA doesn’t look only at the dollar figure – it also looks at how much work you’re doing and how comparable it is to regular non-disabled work.

This isn’t what you collect…
It’s what you keep after expenses – your net profit.

If you earn under that?
You’re usually fine.

2. Self-employment has special rules (but they’re not as scary as people think)

When you freelance, the SSA looks at:

A. Your average monthly profit

-not your total revenue.

B. How much work you actually do

Self-employment is evaluated partly by hours, partly by profit.
But don’t panic – they’re checking to see if you’re essentially working full-time.

If you’re doing freelance work only for a few hours a month and keeping profit modest, that’s often less risky than working full-time, but “safe” depends on your situation. The SSA also looks at how many hours you work, how critical your services are, and how your business compares to others.

C. Whether you’re running a full business or a “hobby-size” one

Small, occasional freelance work usually fits safely under the radar of SGA.

Remember, the SSA uses a few different tests to evaluate self-employment, including how many hours you work, how important your services are, and whether your work is comparable to similar non-disabled workers.

3. The key is to keep things simple, small, and trackable

You often can start freelancing with minimal setup – no LLC, no expensive tools, but you should check your state and local business rules (licenses, tax filings). The important part is staying organized with payments, expenses, and tracking your work.

You just need:

• a way to accept payment

• a way to track what you earn

• a clear record of expenses

• honesty on reports if SSA ever asks

This is where most people accidentally stress themselves out – by overcomplicating something that doesn’t need to be complicated.

4. Freelancing actually fits SSDI better than part-time jobs

Here’s why freelancing is often safer than a traditional W-2 job:

✔ You control the hours

Having a rough pain day or mental health day?
You can pause, reschedule, or slow down. No boss. No write-up.

✔ You control your income pace

You can intentionally keep your monthly income under SGA.

✔ You can work from bed, couch, car, anywhere

No commute. No physical strain.

✔ You can take breaks for months if you need

SSA looks at earnings over time; you are not required to work consistently. SSA looks at your earnings over time rather than requiring consistent monthly work – irregular or occasional freelancing is allowed.

It’s flexible – which is exactly what most people on SSDI need.

5. The biggest mistake people make: listening to scary Facebook comments

You know the ones:

• “If you earn anything, you’ll lose everything.”

• “If SSA sees $1 on your bank statement, they’ll cut you off.”

• “Self-employment is dangerous while on disability.”

None of these are true.

They’re fear stories.

The SSA has clear rules.
They may be annoying, but they’re not mysterious.

6. Before you start freelancing, spend 10 minutes doing this one thing

Call the SSA Ticket to Work Helpline and ask for your nearest WIPA program:

📞 1-866-968-7842
📞 TTY: 1-866-833-2967

Say this sentence:

“I’m on SSDI and planning to earn small, controlled freelance income.
Can you assign me a benefits counselor so I understand my safe range?”

They will literally map out the income limits for your specific case, free of charge.

This is protection.
This is clarity.
This is your safety net.

Important:

If you start earning money, report your work/earnings to the SSA. Failing to report may lead to overpayments, benefit suspension, or complications.

So… should you freelance on SSDI?

If you want a soft, flexible, empowering way to earn a little extra and build confidence — yes, freelancing is one of the best options you have.

You just need:

• good tracking

• steady pacing

• small goals

• and a clear understanding of SGA

No panic.
No guessing.
Just informed, confident income.

Final word (from friend to friend)

You’re not trying to build an empire here.
You’re trying to build breathing room – financial dignity – a little space to feel human again.

And you can absolutely do that on SSDI.

Freelancing isn’t just allowed…
it’s often the safest, most flexible, most realistic path to earning money while protecting your benefits.

This article provides general information only – your exact situation may differ, which is why checking with a benefits counselor is so important.