Can I Work and Apply for SSDI Benefits? | Beacon Disability

If you have been diagnosed with a physical and/or mental condition and it’s preventing you from working in any capacity, you may be wondering if you might be able to work a little bit while applying for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.

My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.

Today we’re going to be answering a common question, can I work and apply for SSDI benefits? The answer is yes, you can work and still apply for SSDI benefits. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you do need to follow to be eligible for SSDI benefits. For one, you must have a disability that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. In 2024, the monthly substantial gainful activity amount is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals.

If you earn over the substantial gainful activity amount or if you work more than 20 hours a week, the Social Security Administration will consider you to be engaging in substantial gainful activity and they may deny your Social Security disability application. However, if you earn less than the substantial gainful activity amount and you work less than 20 hours each week, you may still be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

In addition, once approved for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration has a trial work period program that allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving SSDI benefits. During that trial work period, you can earn any amount of money without affecting your SSDI benefit for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period. In 2024, if you are receiving SSDI benefits and earning more than $1,110 per month, that month will be considered part of your trial work period. After the trial work period is up, if you continue to work and earn more than the permitted amount, your SSDI benefits may be terminated.

It’s important to keep the Social Security Administration informed as to any changes in your work status or earnings to avoid potential issues with your SSDI benefits.

In sum, yes you can work and apply for SSDI benefits, but there are rules and regulations that you need to follow. I also encourage you to speak with an attorney in your area to see if you are following those rules and what might be able to be done to make your disability case stronger while you continue to work. Remember, you must have a disability that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and there is a trial work period program that allows you to test your ability to work and still receive SSDI benefits (once approved).

Thanks so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.