SSDI and Working While Waiting for Approval

If you're applying for SSDI, you may be able to work while waiting for your disability claim to be processed, but there are important rules to keep in mind:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a standard known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you’re earning above a certain amount, the SSA may determine that you’re not disabled because you’re still able to work. For 2025, the SGA limit is typically around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals. If you earn more than this amount, it may affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
• Trial Work Period: If you’re approved for SSDI benefits and want to return to work, you can use the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving benefits. During the TWP, you can earn any amount of money, and Social Security will not stop your benefits as long as your earnings are below the TWP threshold. In 2025, the TWP threshold is $1,050 per month.
• Working While Waiting for Approval: While you can technically earn income while waiting for approval, you need to be cautious. If you earn too much, it may indicate that you are not as disabled as you claim, which could delay or jeopardize your approval.

SSI and Working While Waiting for Approval

If you’re applying for SSI, the rules are slightly different because SSI is a needs-based program, and income and resources are more heavily scrutinized:

• Income Limits: SSI has strict income limits. As of 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is $1,150 (before taxes), and for a couple, it’s $1,725. If your income exceeds these limits, you may not qualify for SSI benefits, or your benefit amount could be reduced.
• Resource Limits: SSI also has resource limits, typically $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. If you earn income that puts you over these resource limits, it could disqualify you from receiving benefits or delay your approval.
• Income and Resource Changes Impact SSI: While waiting for approval, any income you earn can reduce your SSI payment or affect your eligibility. Therefore, it’s important to keep the SSA informed about any changes to your income.

Can You Work While Waiting for Disability Approval?

The short answer is yes, you can work while waiting for disability benefits, but you must keep the following in mind:

• Impact on Your Claim: Earning too much income while waiting for your disability claim could cause delays or denials of your application. The SSA may view substantial income as evidence that you are still able to work, which can undermine your claim of being unable to work due to a disability.
• Report Your Earnings: Whether you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, it’s crucial to report any income you earn to the SSA. Failure to report income can result in overpayments, penalties, or even the loss of benefits. Make sure to keep the SSA informed about any changes in your employment status.

What Happens if You Work and Your Disability Claim is Denied?

If your disability claim is denied and you were working during the application process, you can still appeal the decision. In fact, if your claim is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration or a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It’s important to understand the appeals process if you’re denied, especially if working was a factor in the denial.