Can You Get Social Security Disability While Still Working?

If you’re applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits but are still working — even part-time — you may be unknowingly hurting your chances of being approved. While it’s completely understandable that you need to earn income while waiting for a decision, it’s important to understand how working during your application can affect your claim.

Why Working Can Disqualify You from SSD Benefits

To qualify for SSD, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that you are unable to engage in “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) due to a medical condition. In other words, they have to believe your disability prevents you from working in any meaningful way.

As of 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you’re blind). If you’re earning above this threshold, your claim may be denied automatically, regardless of how serious your medical condition is.

Even if you’re earning less than the SGA amount, your application could still raise red flags if:

  • You are working regularly (even for low pay).
  • Your job duties suggest you’re still capable of physically or mentally demanding tasks.
  • SSA believes your work activity shows you could hold a full-time job, if you wanted or needed to.

What If You Need to Work to Survive?

We completely understand — SSD applications can take months, even years, and not everyone can afford to stop working entirely while they wait.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • If you’re working now, it may be better to delay applying until you’re no longer working. Once you stop working, you can submit a stronger claim showing you are truly unable to perform any gainful activity.
  • If your job is very limited (e.g., a few hours per week doing light work), it’s possible to apply, but SSA will closely examine what you’re doing and how much you’re earning.
  • If your condition is worsening and you plan to stop working soon, document everything. Medical notes, employer accommodations, and reduced hours can all help support your case when you do file.

Exceptions: “Unsuccessful Work Attempts” and Trial Work Periods

There are a couple of narrow exceptions that sometimes allow limited work:

  • Unsuccessful Work Attempt:
    If you return to work but your health forces you to stop again within six months, SSA may consider that an “unsuccessful work attempt” and not count it against your claim.
  • Trial Work Period (TWP):
    If you’re already receiving SSD benefits and want to try returning to work, SSA allows a trial period where you can test your ability to work without immediately losing your benefits. But this only applies after you’ve been approved, not during your initial application.

Final Thoughts

Applying for SSD benefits while you’re still working is risky — and in many cases, it leads to denial. To qualify, you must prove that your medical condition prevents you from performing any kind of full-time, sustained work.

If you’re unsure whether your current job will impact your case, it’s best to talk with an experienced disability advocate or attorney. They can help you understand your options, time your application correctly, and gather the right evidence to support your claim.

💼 How Much Can I Work and Still Get SSD?

✅ Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits – 2025:

  • You generally cannot earn more than:
    • $1,550/month (non-blind applicants)
    • $2,590/month (if legally blind)

Exceeding this amount usually leads to automatic denial.

✅ Working Below the Limit?
Even if you earn less than the SGA amount, SSA may still deny your claim if:

  • You’re working consistently
  • Your job shows you can still do substantial work
  • Your condition doesn’t appear disabling based on your duties

✅ Acceptable Exceptions:

  • Unsuccessful Work Attempt:
    You tried to return to work but had to stop within 6 months due to your disability.
  • Trial Work Period (TWP):
    Only available after you’ve been approved for SSD — not during your application.

⚠️ Important:
Social Security doesn’t just look at your income — they look at what you’re actually doing at work. Light part-time work may still cause problems for your claim.