I went back to work 8 years ago, with a couple of times on temporary leave since then for hospitalizations. You have to not only remember to report all of your earnings, but also, if your earnings are above the stated amount, do NOT spend the check that month, because they WILL demand it back. (I filed a hardship plea thingy and also declared bankruptcy -- they told me I didn't have to pay it, but it would have been $10,000!

If you are within 10 years of retirement age, I would keep the SSDI and try to only earn money that is not from "work." You could participate in clinical trials, for example.

The reason I say that is, when you are of the right age, they can convert it to regular SS and then you can work.