Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) often takes months — sometimes even years.
During that time, many people wonder:
“Can I work while I wait for a decision?”
The answer isn’t simple, but it’s important:
✅ Yes, you can work while waiting — but there are serious risks to your claim if you’re not careful.
In this article, we’ll explain when working is allowed, how much you can earn, and what to consider before taking a job while your disability claim is pending.
Why Working Can Hurt Your Claim
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
If you’re working while claiming you can’t work, SSA may assume:
- Your condition isn’t severe enough to be disabling
- You’re capable of holding down a job
- You could switch to another type of work, even if you can’t return to your old job
✅ This is why working during your application process can be risky.
What Is “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA)?
In 2025, SGA is defined as earning:
- More than $1,550/month (gross income) for non-blind individuals
- More than $2,590/month if you are legally blind
If you’re working and earning more than this, your claim may be denied automatically, no matter how serious your condition is.
Can You Work Below the SGA Limit?
Yes — but be cautious.
If you earn less than the SGA limit, SSA may still:
- Question whether your condition truly prevents full-time work
- Use your work activity as evidence that you could do other types of jobs
✅ Social Security looks not just at what you earn, but also what you’re doing:
- Is your job physically or mentally demanding?
- Are you working regular hours?
- Are you performing tasks that show you can function in a work setting?
Even part-time or low-income work can raise red flags if it looks like you’re capable of more.
What If You Tried to Work but Couldn’t Keep the Job?
There’s a rule called the “Unsuccessful Work Attempt.”
If you return to work but have to stop within six months because of your condition, SSA may ignore the work attempt and still consider you disabled.
To qualify, the job must end (or your hours must drop significantly) because of your health, not because of unrelated reasons like quitting or being laid off.
✅ Tip: Keep detailed notes or documents that show your job ended due to your medical issues.
What About “Under the Table” or Gig Work?
SSA considers all income, even if it’s:
- Cash-based or not reported to the IRS
- From side jobs like babysitting, deliveries, or freelance work
✅ Hiding work income is considered fraud and can lead to serious legal trouble and permanent loss of benefits.
Should You Work While Waiting?
Here are a few pros and cons:
Pros:
- May help you survive financially while you wait
- Shows you are trying to stay active and productive
Cons:
- Can make it harder to prove you’re disabled
- May lead to automatic denial if you earn too much
- Could delay or damage your case if not documented properly
Final Thoughts
✅ You can work while waiting for your disability decision — but you have to be extremely careful.
Even small amounts of income can complicate your claim if not handled properly.
If you’re considering working:
- Track your hours and earnings closely
- Stay under the SGA limit
- Be honest with SSA about your work activity
- Consider talking to a disability attorney before you start
Disability benefits are for people who truly can’t work full-time, so it’s always better to focus on getting medical treatment and building a strong case for your claim.