You can, but it may not be in your best interest. From doing a little bit of research on Social Security’s website, it would seem as if they will deduct ½ of your income from SSI?. Therefore, if you get $1,000, and you earned $600 from working, your SSI will be reduced to $700. While this might sound like a win, keep in mind that you also have taxes to cover for. I would assume 25% for taxes. This means if you earned $600, then your taxes is $150 bringing your net work income to $450. You add the $450 to the $700, and you would get $1,150 which is $150 more than if you were to not work. If you worked 40 hours a week, this isn’t very worth it, now is it? If Social Security wants to get able bodied people in the workforce, they will need to make their program a bit better – although able bodied people shouldn’t be getting SSI.