What You Must Report to Social Security

SSDI has specific reporting requirements that change based on your work activity and income. Social Security does not automatically know when you start working, earn money, or change your living situation — you are responsible for telling them. Failure to report can result in overpayments you will have to repay, or temporary suspension of your benefits.

The core requirement is this: you must report any work activity and earnings within the month they occur. You must also report changes in living arrangements, marital status, and whether you are still disabled. The exact threshold for what counts as "work" and what triggers a report depends on your specific situation and which work incentive program, if any, you are using.

Key Takeaways

  • You must report all work and earnings to Social Security within the month they happen, even if you earn below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit.
  • The Substantial Gainful Activity amount for 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,590 for blind beneficiaries.
  • If you use a work incentive like Impairment Related Work Expenses or Plan to Achieve Self-Support, your reporting requirements change and you may keep more earnings.
  • Social Security can recover overpayments from future benefits or demand repayment, so reporting late or inaccurately creates a debt you owe.
  • You report by calling your local Social Security office, using your online account at ssa.gov, or mailing a written statement.

Reporting Work and Earnings Each Month

When you work, you must report your gross earnings — the total amount before taxes or deductions — to Social Security. This includes wages from an employer, self-employment income, and cash payments. You report the earnings for the month in which you earned them, not the month you received the payment.

The important date is the end of the month following the month you worked. For example, if you earned money in January, you must report it by the end of February. You can report by phone to your local Social Security office, through your online account at ssa.gov, or by mailing a written statement. Social Security recommends reporting as soon as possible rather than waiting until the important date, because delays can cause overpayments.

If you do not report earnings and Social Security discovers them through tax records or employer verification, you will owe back the benefits you received while working. This debt does not disappear — Social Security will deduct it from future benefits or pursue collection.

The Substantial Gainful Activity Limit and What It Means

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount is the earnings threshold Social Security uses to determine whether your work shows you are no longer disabled. For 2025, SGA is $1,550 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,590 per month for blind beneficiaries. These amounts increase each year based on the national average wage.

If you earn at or above SGA for a full month, Social Security will assume you are performing substantial work and may terminate your benefits. However, SGA is not a straightforward on-off switch — Social Security looks at whether you are consistently earning at that level, and there are trial work periods and other protections that delay termination. You still must report all earnings, even if you are below SGA, because Social Security uses the reports to track your work pattern.

The SGA limit applies to your actual work activity, not to your capacity to work. You could be capable of earning more but choose to work part-time; Social Security measures what you actually earn and report.

Work Incentives That Change What You Report

If you are using a work incentive program, your reporting requirements may be different and you may be able to keep more of your earnings. The most common work incentives are Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and the Trial Work Period.

Under IRWE, you can deduct certain work-related costs from your earnings before Social Security counts them toward SGA. For example, if you need a personal assistant, medication, or medical equipment to work, those costs can reduce your countable earnings. You must report the costs and provide receipts or documentation.

Under PASS, you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal — such as education, training, or starting a business — and that money does not count against your benefits. PASS requires a written plan approved by Social Security before you begin, and you must report your progress monthly. Under the Trial Work Period, you can earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits, but you must still report your earnings each month so Social Security can track whether you are working.

If you think a work incentive applies to you, contact your local Social Security office or ask to speak with a work incentive planning counselor before you start working. Reporting incorrectly under a work incentive can disqualify you from the program.

Changes in Living Situation and Household Composition

Beyond work and earnings, you must report changes in where you live and who lives with you. If you move, you must notify Social Security with your new address. If you marry, divorce, or have a child, you must report it. If someone moves into your home or moves out, report that too.

These changes matter because they can affect your benefit amount and whether you remain disabled. For example, if you move to a different state, your case may be transferred to a new Social Security office. If you marry, your spouse's income may affect your benefits under certain rules. If you have a child, that child may be may have access to to benefits on your record.

Report changes by contacting your local Social Security office, updating your online account, or mailing a written notice. Social Security will tell you what documents you need to bring — typically a lease, utility bill, or marriage certificate.

Reporting Your Continued Disability Status

Social Security periodically reviews whether you are still disabled. The frequency depends on your condition and is noted in your award letter — it may be every three years, every five years, or at a specific date. You do not have to wait for Social Security to contact you; if your condition improves or you believe you are no longer disabled, you should report it.

If your condition worsens or you experience a new medical problem that affects your ability to work, you can report that as well. Social Security may schedule a medical review or request updated medical records. Do not assume that reporting a worsening condition will automatically increase your benefits — Social Security will evaluate the new information and make a information.

If you fail to respond to a medical review request, Social Security will assume you are no longer disabled and terminate your benefits. If you later want to restart benefits, you will have to file a new claim and meet the disability criteria again.

How to Report and What Happens Next

You have three ways to report to Social Security: by phone, online, or by mail. The fastest method is calling your local Social Security office during business hours. You can find the number at ssa.gov or in your benefits statement. Have your Social Security number and details about your earnings or life changes ready when you call.

Online reporting is available through your account at ssa.gov. You can log in, update your work information, and submit earnings reports without calling. This creates a record that Social Security can access when ready.

If you prefer to mail a report, write a letter with your name, Social Security number, the month and year of the earnings or change, and the amount or details. Mail it to your local Social Security office. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

After you report, Social Security will review the information and determine whether your benefits change. If your earnings are below SGA and you are not using a work incentive, your benefits usually continue unchanged. If your earnings are at or above SGA, Social Security will send you a notice explaining what happens next — this may include a trial work period, a grace month, or a benefit suspension. Read the notice carefully and contact Social Security if you do not understand it.

Overpayments and What You Owe if You Do Not Report

An overpayment occurs when Social Security pays you benefits you were not may have access to to receive. This happens most often when you work and do not report earnings, or when you report late. If Social Security later discovers the unreported work through tax records or employer verification, they will calculate how much you were overpaid and demand repayment.

Social Security can recover overpayments by reducing your future benefits — typically by 10 percent per month, though you can request a lower rate if that causes hardship. If your benefits are terminated, Social Security will pursue collection through wage garnishment or other means. You cannot discharge an overpayment debt in bankruptcy.

If you believe Social Security made an error in calculating an overpayment, you can request a reconsideration or appeal. You have 60 days from the date of the overpayment notice to request an appeal. During the appeal, you can explain why you did not report, whether Social Security's calculation is correct, or whether you should be excused from repayment due to hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report if I earn less than $1,550 a month?

Yes. The $1,550 SGA limit is the threshold for substantial work, but you must report all earnings regardless of the amount. Social Security uses your reports to track your work pattern and determine whether you are working consistently. Unreported small earnings can still trigger an overpayment if discovered later.

What if I work for cash and do not have a pay stub?

You still must report the earnings. Write down the amount you earned, the dates you worked, and the name of the person or business that paid you. Social Security may ask for additional documentation, such as a statement from your employer or bank deposits. Failure to report cash income is considered fraud and can result in criminal charges in addition to overpayment recovery.

Can I report earnings for multiple months at once?

You should report earnings within the month they occur, but if you have missed months, report all of them as soon as possible. Explain to Social Security why the reports are late. Late reporting does not erase the obligation to report, and Social Security will still calculate any overpayment owed. Reporting late is better than not reporting at all.

What happens during the trial work period if I do not report my earnings?

The trial work period allows you to earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits, but only if you report your earnings each month. If you do not report, Social Security will not count the month toward your trial work period, and you may lose the protection. After the trial work period ends, unreported earnings can trigger benefit suspension or termination.

If I move to a different state, do I have to re-report everything?

You must notify Social Security of your new address, and your case will be transferred to the Social Security office in your new state. You do not have to re-report past earnings or life events, but you should confirm that your file was transferred correctly. Contact your new local office to verify they have your complete record.