If you receive Social Security disability benefits in Rhode Island, you probably know they are not as much as you would make working a full-time job. Of course, whatever disability has qualified you for benefits makes it impossible for you to work such a job, but you may be able to do some work. As you also likely know, there are rules when it comes to Social Security about earning money by working.

According to The Motley Fool, if you need to earn more money while also receiving SSDI, you may be in for a challenge. There is a cap on what you can earn. For most disabilities, the 2017 earnings cap was $1,170 a month. 

You may also take deductions for expenses related to your disability that you need for work. Deductions could allow you to earn more than the earnings cap limit and not affect your benefits. 

The Social Security Administration does give you a chance to see if employment works for you by not reducing or making changes to your benefits for nine months. Based on 2017 figures, you would need to earn more than $840 for it to count as a trial month.

Once you pass the nine months, you can still receive benefits when you earn under the limit each month for 36 more months. However, if you earn more than allowed after the trial period, you will lose your benefits.

You can also get assistance from the SSA to help you find employment or get the training you may need to return to work. This information is intended to be educational and is not legal advice.