Impairment-Related Work Expenses and Your Benefits
Impairment-related work expenses let you deduct the cost of items and services you need to work because of your disability, which can protect your benefits. These deductions can keep your countable earnings below key limits.
What These Expenses Are
Impairment-related work expenses are costs you pay, because of your disability, in order to work. The SSA can subtract these from your earnings when deciding whether you exceed the substantial gainful activity limit of 1,690 dollars per month in 2026, which connects to the SGA limit.
Examples of Deductible Costs
Expenses that may qualify include:
- Certain medications and medical treatment needed to work.
- Specialized equipment or modifications.
- Attendant care services that help you work.
- Some transportation costs related to your disability.
Why They Matter
By lowering your countable earnings, these deductions can help you keep benefits while working. For example, if you earn slightly above the SGA limit but have qualifying expenses, subtracting them may bring your countable earnings below the limit, preserving your benefit.
How to Claim Them
Keep receipts and records of qualifying expenses and report them to the SSA. Proper documentation is essential, since the SSA must verify that the costs are related to your impairment and necessary for work. This ties into accurate reporting of work and wages.
The Bottom Line
Impairment-related work expenses can reduce your countable earnings and protect your benefits while you work. Keep records and report them to the SSA. This article is general information and not legal advice. Confirm which expenses qualify with the SSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these expenses apply to SSI too?
Yes. Impairment-related work expenses can also reduce countable earnings for SSI, which may increase your payment while you work.
What records should I keep?
Keep receipts, proof of payment, and documentation showing the expense is related to your disability and needed for work, so the SSA can verify it.
Sources
- Social Security Administration, Impairment-Related Work Expenses, SSA.gov
- SSA Red Book, What’s New in 2026, SSA.gov
- SSA, Working While Disabled, SSA.gov