Can I work while on SSDI in New Mexico?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 07/28/2025
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in New Mexico, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to return to work without losing your benefits. The good news is—yes, you can work while on SSDI under certain conditions. However, it’s important to understand the rules so you don’t risk having your benefits reduced or terminated.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Understanding Work and SSDI: The Basics
SSDI is designed for individuals who are unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a disability. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows limited work activity through programs like Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) to support your return to employment.
The Trial Work Period (TWP)
This program lets you test your ability to work for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) without affecting your SSDI benefits.
- In 2025, any month you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
- During this time, you continue to receive full SSDI benefits regardless of your income.
- Once you’ve used up 9 TWP months within a 60-month window, your work activity will be reviewed to see if it qualifies as SGA.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility, where:
- You can still receive SSDI benefits for any month you don’t exceed the SGA limit (in 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550/month, or $2,590/month if blind).
- If your income goes over the limit, you won’t receive a check for that month—but your SSDI eligibility remains intact.
- If your income drops below the SGA level again, your benefits can resume automatically during the EPE.
Ticket to Work Program
SSA’s Ticket to Work program is a voluntary employment support initiative offering:
- Free vocational rehabilitation
- Career counseling and job placement
- Ongoing support to help you succeed in the workforce
It allows you to explore employment options without immediately jeopardizing your SSDI benefits.
Important Considerations While Working
- Always report your income to the SSA each month, even during the Trial Work Period.
- Keep detailed records of wages, hours, and job duties.
- If you stop working or your income changes, notify the SSA promptly.
- Benefits may be reinstated quickly under the Expedited Reinstatement provision if you stop working due to your disability within five years of benefits ending.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating SSDI while working can be overwhelming. At Hogan Smith, we help New Mexico clients:
- Understand SSDI work rules and income thresholds
- Safely plan part-time or full-time work
- Communicate with the SSA to protect your benefits
- Prepare for any changes in your case or eligibility
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re thinking about returning to work while on SSDI in New Mexico, don’t go it alone. Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll help you explore your options, avoid benefit disruptions, and move forward with confidence.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you