Thinking about turning your spare time into Uber earnings, but worried about your SSDI check? You’re not alone. Plenty of drivers ask the same thing before tapping “Go” on the app. The short answer to whether you can drive for Uber while on SSDI: it depends.

SSDI isn’t a “no work allowed” program, but it does set strict rules on how much you can earn and the kind of work you do. Gig driving complicates it further because you’re considered self-employed, which means the Social Security Administration looks at both your income and your work activity.

Done right, a few carefully planned hours behind the wheel can fit within SSDI’s limits. Done wrong, it can trigger reviews, overpayments, or even a loss of benefits.

In this article, you’ll learn how SSDI treats rideshare and delivery work, what the monthly earnings limits mean in real life, how the trial work period and self-employment rules apply, and the simple record-keeping that protects you. We’ll also cover smart reporting steps and red flags to avoid, so you can decide if Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash makes sense without putting your benefits at risk.

Understanding “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA)

Think of Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, as the Social Security Administration’s measuring stick. It’s the line they draw to figure out if the work you’re doing means you’re no longer “disabled” under their rules. If your monthly earnings go over that line, your SSDI could be at risk. And here’s the tricky part: that line isn’t fixed. It changes every year, and the SSA looks at more than just your paycheck.

Even if your gross income sits below the dollar limit, they can still decide your work shows you’re capable of “gainful” employment, depending on the hours you put in and the kind of work you’re doing.

In short, it’s not just about how much money you make; it’s also about how the SSA views the effort behind it. That’s why understanding SGA is so important before you start any gig work like driving for Uber or Lyft.

How Ridesharing Income Is Evaluated

When you drive for Uber, the Social Security Administration doesn’t look at your gross pay the way an employer’s W-2 job might. Instead, rideshare income is treated as self-employment. That means what really matters is your net earnings, the money left after legitimate business expenses.

Things like Uber’s platform fees, mileage (which the IRS set around 67.5¢ per mile in 2024), car maintenance, and other work-related costs can all reduce the amount the SSA counts against your limit.

But here’s where it gets a little more complicated: the SSA doesn’t stop at the math. They also take into account how much time and effort you’re putting in. If your driving schedule looks a lot like what a non-disabled person could handle, or if they decide you’re providing “significant services” through your work, even when your income is under the SGA cap, they may still flag it.

So in short, with Uber driving, it’s not just about your income on paper. It’s also about how the SSA views the work you’re doing behind the wheel.

The Trial Work Period (TWP) and What Happens Next

The SSA gives you something called a Trial Work Period (TWP), basically a safety net that lets you test the waters of working without instantly losing your SSDI. Here’s how it works: if you earn over a certain monthly amount or put in more than about 80 hours in self-employment during a month, that month counts as a TWP month.

You get up to nine of these months within a rolling 60-month window. And here’s the good part: during those nine months, you’ll still receive your full SSDI benefits, no matter how much you earn.

Once you’ve used up your nine TWP months, you move into what’s called the Extended Period of Eligibility. This lasts three years. During this time, the SSA keeps checking your income against the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. If you stay under the threshold, your benefits continue. But if you go over in a given month, your SSDI payments are suspended for that month.

Reporting Requirements & Ongoing Reviews

• Reporting: As a self-employed driver, you report earnings once a year, but the SSA can ask for monthly details.
  
  
• Updates: Always tell the SSA when you start working, change your hours, or your income shifts.
  
  
• Reviews: Even if you stay under SGA, steady work could trigger a medical review. The SSA might see ongoing activity as proof you’re able to work more than claimed.

Tips to Protect Your SSDI Benefits

• Keep track of income and use every deduction you can.
  
  
• Plan your Trial Work Period (TWP) carefully and know when it ends.
  
  
• Let the SSA know about any work changes right away.
  
  
• Watch your hours if you’re close to the 80-hour or TWP limits.
  
  
• Talk with an SSDI attorney for guidance on reporting and reviews.

Final Thoughts Before You Hit The Road

Driving for Uber while on SSDI isn’t automatically off the table—but it comes with strings attached. Stay under SGA, keep good records, and know the SSA may still question your work activity.

The smart move? Get clear guidance before you hit the road. Schedule your free consultation today with Disability Attorney Services LLC., and protect your benefits while exploring flexible work.