How Many Hours Can You Work While Applying For Disability?
According to the Social Security Administration, it takes about six to eight months before you receive an initial decision on your application for disability benefits. That’s a long time to wait without a paycheck, so some people may struggle to avoid financial hardship by continuing to work.
One of the key factors the SSA takes into consideration in determining whether to approve your application for Social Security disability is your ability to work. Generally speaking, the amount you earn from working is the first thing examiners look at to evaluate your ability to work. How many hours can you work while applying for disability lawyer knows can also affect your ability to be approved.
Hours Worked Vs Money Earned
The SSA standard for disability is being unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last for at least 12 months or expected to result in death. Whether a person has the ability to do SGA depends on their monthly income.
The SGA limit, meaning the amount that a person may earn in a month and not be doing SGA is $1,620 in 2025. The SGA limit changes annually.
Ask a can you work while applying for disability lawyer and you will be told the hours worked could be used by the SSA to conclude that you do not meet the standard. The hours, even if you earn less than the SGA limit, may be seen as proof that you have the capacity to do more. An SSA work rules during application disability attorney should be consulted about how the rules may affect your claim.
Hours Worked and Self-Employed Claimants
The evaluation process for self-employed individuals who apply for SSDI benefits considers the hours worked more than occurs with those who receive wages from an employer for working at a job. For instance, the hours a person devotes to the work associated with their business, and the amount of income the business generates, are more important during the application review process than the amount of money the self-employed person earns from it.
Alternative Sources Of Financial Assistance During The Application Process
Short-term disability benefits may be available through a plan sponsored by your employer. Depending on where you live, your state may have a short-term disability program to provide benefits while you apply for SSDI benefits.
Medicaid and food assistance programs managed by state governments may be available to you. Check with your state for the program’s requirements and application process.
Keep These Points In Mind When Working While Applying For SSDI
No specific rules provide guidance about the number of hours you may work while applying for SSDI benefits. However, the more hours that you work, the more likely it is that a claims examiner will conclude that you have the ability to work at a full-time job and earn an income to support yourself.
The sequential review process used to review applications includes two steps. One evaluates your ability to do past relevant work. The other determines whether the limitations imposed by your medical condition prevent you from adjusting to do other types of available work.
The work you do may show that you have the capability to do work-related activities despite your limitations. Typical work activities include sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, lifting objects, communicating with others, and understanding and following directions.
If you are uncertain about applying for Social Security disability benefits while working because of concerns about work hours, seek the advice and guidance of an SSDI work hours limit attorney. The disability advocate can review your current and past work history, including the hours worked, and help you decide how to proceed.
Get Assistance With The Disability Benefits Process
The disability advocate benefits approval process can be challenging to navigate on your own. Get assistance by contacting a disability application and working advocate today.
