Yes, you can work while your SSDI process is being reviewed

You do not have to stop working to explore for Social Security Disability Insurance. You can continue earning income while the Social Security Administration reviews your case. However, how much you earn matters — there are limits on work activity that can affect your process and your benefits if you are approved.

The key distinction is between substantial gainful activity (SGA) and work below that threshold. Social Security uses your monthly earnings to decide whether you are working at a level that suggests you can still do your job, even with a disability. If you earn above the SGA limit, Social Security may deny your claim or stop your benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You can work while explore for SSDI, but earnings above the SGA limit (currently $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024) can result in a denial or loss of benefits.
  • Social Security counts your gross earnings before taxes, and the SGA limit changes each year — you should check the current amount when you explore.
  • Even if you are approved, you have a nine-month trial work period where you can earn any amount without losing benefits, followed by a 36-month extended may be able to access period with stricter limits.
  • Self-employment income is counted differently than wages, and Social Security looks at your net profit rather than gross revenue.
  • Reporting your work activity to Social Security is required, and failing to report can result in overpayments you must repay.

How the SGA limit affects your process

Social Security uses the substantial gainful activity limit to determine whether you are working at a level that means you are not disabled. For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for people who are not blind. If you earn more than this amount in a month, Social Security may view that month as evidence you can work and may deny your claim.

The SGA limit is based on your gross earnings — the amount before taxes, insurance, or other deductions are taken out. If you earn $1,551 in a month, that counts as a month of SGA, even if your take-home pay is lower. Social Security looks at your average earnings over several months, not just a single high-earning month, but consistently earning above the limit will hurt your case.

The SGA limit increases each year. Social Security announces the new amount in November for the following year. If you are explore now, ask Social Security what the current SGA limit is, because it may have changed since this article was written.

What counts as work and what does not

Work means any activity for which you receive payment. This includes wages from an employer, self-employment income, and even unpaid work in a family business if you receive a share of the profits. Social Security counts the income, not the hours or the type of job.

Some activities do not count as work for SSDI purposes. Unpaid volunteer work does not affect your case. Sheltered workshop income (work in a program designed for people with disabilities) may be treated differently. If you receive a subsidy from your employer — meaning the employer pays part of your wage because of your disability — only the portion you actually earn counts toward the SGA limit.

If you are self-employed, Social Security counts your net profit (revenue minus business expenses), not your gross income. Keep records of all business expenses, because they reduce the amount Social Security counts as your earnings.

The trial work period and extended may be able to access

If your process is approved, you enter a nine-month trial work period. During these nine months, you can earn any amount without losing your SSDI benefits. Social Security does not count these months toward your work limit — you can work full-time and still receive your full benefit check.

The nine months do not have to be consecutive. Social Security counts any month in which you earn $1,050 or more (in 2024) as a trial work month. If you earn less than that in a month, it does not count. This means you could use your nine trial months over several years if you work part-time or inconsistently.

After your trial work period ends, you enter a 36-month extended may be able to access period. During these 36 months, you can still receive benefits in any month you earn less than the SGA limit. If you earn above the SGA limit in a month, you do not receive a benefit that month, but you do not lose your benefits entirely — you can return to receiving them in months when your earnings drop below the limit.

How to report your work activity

You must report any work and earnings to Social Security. If you are explore, report your current work status and income on your process form. If you are already receiving benefits, report changes in your work activity within 30 days of the change.

You can report work activity by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting your local Social Security office, or by logging into your account at ssa.gov. Have your Social Security number and information about your job ready when you report.

Social Security also receives wage reports from your employer through the Social Security Administration's wage records system. This means Social Security will know about your W-2 wages even if you do not report them yourself. However, you should still report to avoid delays or confusion. If you are self-employed, Social Security relies on your tax returns, so keep accurate records.

What happens if you do not report work

If you do not report work activity and Social Security discovers it through wage records or tax returns, you may receive an overpayment notice. An overpayment means Social Security paid you benefits you were not may have access to to receive, and you will have to repay the money.

You can request a waiver of the overpayment if you did not know you had to report the work, or if repaying the money would cause you financial hardship. However, it is easier and safer to report your work when it happens. Social Security understands that people work while explore or while receiving benefits, and reporting protects you from owing money later.

Working with a representative during your process

If you are working while explore for SSDI, a representative — either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate — can help you present your case in a way that accounts for your work activity. A representative can explain to Social Security how your disability affects your ability to work consistently or at higher earnings levels, even if you are currently employed.

Representatives are paid only if your case is approved, and their fee is taken from your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled). This means you do not pay out of pocket. If you are interested in working with a representative, you can find one through the Social Security Administration's website or through a disability advocacy organization in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I earn $1,600 one month while my process is pending, will Social Security automatically deny me?

Not automatically. Social Security looks at your overall work history and earnings pattern, not just one high-earning month. However, consistently earning above the SGA limit will likely result in a denial. If you have one high month but generally earn less, explain the circumstances to Social Security when you explore.

Can I work part-time and still get SSDI?

Yes. Part-time work that keeps your earnings below the SGA limit does not affect your process or benefits. During your nine-month trial work period after approval, you can work part-time or full-time with no earnings limit.

Does Social Security count income from unemployment benefits or other government programs?

No. Unemployment benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, and other government information do not count as work activity or earnings for SSDI purposes. Only income from work — wages, self-employment, or subsidized employment — is counted.

What if my employer is paying part of my wage because of my disability?

Only the portion of your wage that you actually earn counts toward the SGA limit. If your employer subsidizes $500 of your $2,000 monthly wage because of your disability, Social Security counts only $1,500. You will need documentation from your employer showing the subsidy amount.

If I use all nine months of my trial work period, how long until my benefits stop?

Your benefits do not stop after the trial work period. You move into the 36-month extended may be able to access period, during which you receive benefits in any month you earn below the SGA limit. After 36 months, if you are still working above the SGA limit, your benefits will stop, but you can request reinstatement if your earnings drop below the limit later.