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Yes, you can work while waiting for disability benefits, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) may claim that since you are working, you are not qualified to receive said benefits. Additionally, any income from employment while waiting could affect the amount you receive. A Social Security Disability lawyer can explain how your work while waiting for disability benefits can affect your claim.
If you have applied or are in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, a Social Security Disability lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the application process. They can review your initial application, assist in obtaining medical records, and file your disability claim properly. If you receive a denial, they can also help appeal the decision.
Two Types of Disability Programs You Can Apply For
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two types of disability benefit programs. Each federal program has different requirements, rules, and income thresholds for eligibility. When applying, it is important to know the eligibility rules for each program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides benefits to disabled or blind people who have contributed to the Social Security fund. The program is based on disability, work history, and earnings. The following people qualify for SSDI if they:
- Have a qualifying medical condition that will last for at least 12 months, affecting their ability to work
- Have paid Social Security taxes long enough to meet the required work credits
- Have worked long enough before the disability began
- Are unable to earn a minimum amount set by SSA
Qualifying recipients also include a child whose disability started before they turned 22 and whose parents have drawn Social Security Disability, Social Security retirement, or have died.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is an assistance program based on an income limit. It makes cash assistance payments to blind, aged, or disabled persons who have limited income and resources. Children are able to receive SSI assistance.
You are able to complete an SSI application if you:
- Are of retirement age
- Blind or disabled, regardless of age
- Are a U.S. citizen or another qualifying non-citizen
How Your Earnings Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits
There are many factors that can affect whether or not you can get benefits and how long you can receive benefits. Your earnings are one of the factors. If you are working while applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it would be wise to keep your income below the income threshold for each type of program.
According to the Social Security Administration, you cannot earn more than what is considered the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). As of 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month gross to qualify for benefits as a non-blind individual.
When applying for SSI benefits, you cannot make significant income or have significant assets. This program is need-based, and only certain incomes or asset levels are eligible. Even if your income level qualifies you for the SSI program, any income you receive will reduce your SSI benefits.
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What to Report if You Work and Are Waiting for SSDI or SSI Benefits
If you are waiting to hear if you qualify for disability benefits, make sure to inform the Social Security Administration of any changes to your work. The changes that need to be reported to the SSA include:
- You started or stopped working
- You reported your work, but duties, hours, or pay changed
- You started paying expenses for work because of your disability
You can report changes to work by phone, mail, or in person. Find your local office to get in contact with them to make these changes. If you need assistance, a Social Security Disability lawyer can help you through this process.
Social Security Work Incentives
Not only can you work while you wait to hear if you qualify for disability benefits, but you can also receive incentives. The Social Security Administration gives incentives to disabled workers in the following ways:
- Cash benefits continue while you work
- Medicare or Medicaid benefits will continue while you work
- Help with education, training, and rehabilitation to start a new line of work
Trial Work Period
During the Trial Work Period (TWP), you can receive full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn, but there are deadlines to the program. TWP only lasts for nine months within a rolling 60-month period.
Extended Period of Eligibility
Following that period is the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this period, you can receive disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA. If your earnings exceed the SGA, disability benefits are paused. However, you can reinstate them if your earnings fall below SGA again.
Expedited Reinstatement
If your disability prevents you from working again, you can request Expedited Reinstatement, which allows you to start receiving SSDI benefits without reapplying. You can receive six months of provisional benefits while SSA reviews your case.
Speak with a Social Security Disability lawyer to learn more about the incentive programs and how they will affect your benefits while working.
How Can I Speed Up the Disability and Review Process?
The process of qualifying for disability benefits can be a long and confusing process. An attorney can help make sure your application goes smoothly, which may help prevent delays. Your Social Security Disability lawyer understands how the SSA reviews applications and can help you apply for benefits if you qualify.
They can help you prove that you are unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition. Your attorney can also gather evidence that your medical condition is a long-term condition that impacts your ability to earn income.
What if Your Application Was Denied?
Applications can be denied for something as simple as a small error. The Social Security Administration may also need more evidence to support your condition. After being denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial to file an appeal.
The denial phase can be a lengthy process with a lot of steps. Your attorney can represent you during an appeal, so you do not undertake this process alone.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we have dedicated lawyers on staff, like attorney Andrea G. Farmer, who can advocate for you during the application process. Your Social Security Disability benefits are critical, and we can help you get approved. If you are denied benefits, we can also represent you during the appeals process.
Our Social Security Disability attorneys will be by your side during the application process to get Social Security Disability benefits. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today to review your case.
