Work-Related Benefit Suspension Experiences Among Disability Beneficiaries

Some federal disability beneficiaries who work—particularly those who work above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level set by the Social Security Administration (SSA)—stop receiving cash benefits. Little is known about how beneficiaries adjust their employment after such benefit suspensions, and why many resume receiving benefits. This brief examines the employment experiences and characteristics of Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries whose disability benefits are suspended due to earnings.