working while on social security disability?

First, the law REQUIRES that all work activity, no matter how little, be reported to Social Security. He needs to download form SSA-821, fill it out and mail it to his nearest Social Security office.

If he's getting SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability any income over $85 a month will reduce his SSI benefit (SSI benefits are always paid on the 1st of the month). The benefit is reduced $1 for every $2 earned over $85. EXAMPLE: He earns $200 a month - $85 = $115. Half of $115 is $57.50. HIs SSI benefit will be reduced by $57.50. If he's getting SSI he should keep proof of his earnings.

If instead he is getting Social Security disability (SSDI) which is paid on the 3rd of the month or on a Wednesday he has a nine month trial work period in which he can earn as much as he wants without reducing or eliminating the Social Security benefit. A trial work month is any month in which he earns $720. Once the nine months are completed Social Security evaluates the work activity. If over $1000 a month benefits end; if under $1000 a month benefits continue.

He needs to notify Social Security of each job worked and he needs to do it on a timely basis. If he reports that a job started he needs to remember to notify them when the job ends and he needs to give them the reason why the job ended.

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He is only allowed to work officially if he participates in the Ticket to Work program. There is an earning maximum but I dont know what it is. If he is working for cash it doesnt matter.