Can I work while my case for SSA monthly Disability payments is being processed?
One of the most common questions that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits ask is whether they can work while their case is being processed. It is an understandable necessity to want to maintain financial stability even during the waiting period for your future monthly payments, but it’s important to know that working during this time can have significant consequences for your eligibility.
So let’s understand how your job can affect your application for monthly Disability payments and how to make sure you don’t put your application at risk.
Understanding Work Requirements and SSDI/SSI Eligibility
To fully grasp how working impacts your case, let’s understand some of the basic requirements that determine eligibility for SSDI and SSI.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
For SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to evaluate whether your income from work is too high for you to be considered disabled. In 2025, if your monthly earnings exceed $1,470 (or $2,460 if you are blind), your work is considered to be substantial, and you may not be eligible for SSDI benefits. This means that earning above this threshold could disqualify you from receiving monthly payments while your case is under review.
For more information, you can read our past blog post to learn more about this subject:
Blog Post
What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and how does it affect your application for monthly disability payments from Social Security?
How Earnings Impact SSI Eligibility
SSI eligibility is based on both income and resources. While there is no specific SGA threshold for SSI, earning income above the program’s limits can reduce or even eliminate your monthly SSI payments. In 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is $1,263. Any amount above that will typically result in a reduction of benefits. It’s crucial to understand these limits to avoid complications with your case.
What Happens If You Work While Your Case Is Pending?
If you are applying for SSDI,
The SSA allows a “Trial Work Period” (TWP) during which you can test your ability to work without losing your benefits. The TWP allows you to work and earn more than the SGA limit for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period, while still receiving full SSDI benefits. During this period, the SSA doesn’t count your earnings against your eligibility. However, after the TWP ends, if you continue to work above the SGA level, your benefits will stop.
If you are applying for SSI,
The rules are a bit more restrictive. Any work you do during the application process could reduce your monthly payments depending on your earnings. Unlike SSDI, there is no “Trial Work Period” for SSI. If you earn more than the income limit, your monthly payments will be reduced or eliminated, and your case could be at risk.
Tips on What to Do If You Are Working or Want to Work While You Have a Pending Disability Case
If you decide to work or keep working while your application is pending, here are some tips to make sure you don’t jeopardize your eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits:
Report Your Income in a Timely Manner
Report any work or income you receive to the SSA right away. This includes any part-time work or additional income you earn during the process. Failure to do so can lead to complications with your application.
Keep Clear Records of Your Income
Keep documentation of all your work and payments. Having a detailed record of what you’ve earned can be helpful if the SSA needs to review your case or verify your income.
Consider Part-Time or Flexible Work
If you want to continue working while you wait for a response to your application, look for jobs that allow you to earn income without exceeding the SGA limit. Part-time or freelance work are options to consider.
Consult with an Attorney from Casa de la Justicia
If you have questions about how working could affect your case or if you are considering taking a job, it is advisable to speak to an attorney from Casa de la Justicia for guidance on how to protect your application while working.
Failure in maintaining your SGA limit can lead to consequences like temporary suspension or reduction on your payments even before your claim is approved, repaying the SSA the exceeded amount you gained while working above the limits, or even delaying the processing of your claim or negatively affect your eligibility.
CONCLUSION
Navigating the complexities of working while your SSDI or SSI case is being processed can be tricky. It is crucial to understand the SSA’s rules on earnings and disability benefits. If you’re unsure about how your employment will affect your claim, it’s always a good idea to consult with the attorneys at Casa de la Justicia who can provide guidance, with no cost out of pocket for you. By staying informed and being proactive, you can ensure that your benefits are protected and that your application moves forward smoothly.
If you need assistance or are considering applying for monthly disability payments now, call us to start your free consultation and, if you qualify, we will help you fill out your application for monthly disability payments with no cost out of pocket for you!
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