What Can I Do for Income While Waiting for Disability?

Awaiting a disability determination can be a lengthy process, posing financial challenges. Earning income during this time is possible, but requires careful adherence to Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations. This guide outlines how to manage work activities without jeopardizing a disability claim.

Understanding Income Limits and Rules

The SSA has distinct income rules for applicants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For SSDI applicants, Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) refers to a level of work and earnings indicating an ability to engage in competitive employment. If earnings exceed the SGA threshold, the SSA generally considers the individual capable of working and may deny their application.

For 2025, the monthly SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620. For statutorily blind individuals, this limit is $2,700 per month. These figures are gross monthly income. Exceeding them can indicate an ability to perform substantial work, regardless of medical condition.

SSI is a needs-based program with different financial criteria. Applicants must meet specific income and resource limits. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment for an individual is $967 per month, and for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, it is $1,450 per month. The SSA counts earned and unearned income differently for SSI purposes.

To encourage work, the SSA applies exclusions when calculating countable SSI income. The first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income are disregarded. Half of the remaining earned income is also not counted. This allows individuals to earn more than the federal benefit rate and still receive some SSI, as only a portion of wages is considered countable.

Exploring Permitted Work Options

Individuals awaiting a disability decision can explore work options aligning with SSA income guidelines and medical limitations. Flexible work arrangements are often suitable, allowing adjustments for fluctuating health. Part-time employment, with fewer hours and lower earnings, helps manage work within SGA or SSI income thresholds.

Remote work, including freelance or online tasks, offers flexibility in hours and physical demands. Gig economy jobs, like delivery services or online content creation, can also control earnings and workload. These project-based or on-demand roles allow individuals to accept assignments fitting their capabilities.

Self-employment offers autonomy over work hours and tasks. However, careful accounting of net earnings is necessary, as the SSA considers net profit for SGA calculations. All work should be consistent with the medical evidence in the disability application and not contradict the claimed impairment’s severity or described functional limitations.

Managing Income and Reporting to the SSA

Maintaining meticulous financial records is important when earning income while awaiting a disability determination. Keep thorough documentation like pay stubs, invoices, and expense logs, especially for self-employment. These records serve as proof of earnings and expenditures, which the SSA may request. Accurate record-keeping helps demonstrate compliance and can prevent overpayments or benefit interruptions.

Timely and accurate income reporting to the SSA is a requirement. SSI recipients must report wages monthly by the sixth day of the following month. This ensures correct payment adjustments and helps avoid overpayments. The SSA offers several reporting methods:
Online through a My Social Security account
Via a mobile app
By phone
Mail
In person at a local Social Security office

Failing to report income or misreporting it can lead to overpayments the SSA will seek to recover. Such discrepancies can also delay the disability application or result in benefit denial. Report any changes in work activity, such as starting or stopping a job, changes in duties, hours, pay, or new impairment-related work expenses.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) reduce countable income for SSDI and SSI. These are costs for items or services an individual needs to work due to their disability. Examples include specialized transportation, attendant care, medical equipment, or medications necessary for work. The cost of approved IRWEs can be deducted from gross earnings, lowering countable income.

Special Considerations and Seeking Guidance

Any work activity while a disability application is pending must not contradict medical evidence or statements made to the SSA. The work’s nature, hours, and physical/mental exertion should align with claimed limitations. For example, claiming inability to sit for extended periods while working a 40-hour desk job could raise questions. Consistency between reported limitations and work activity supports the application’s credibility.

Given the complexities of disability regulations, seeking professional advice is beneficial. Disability attorneys or advocates have specialized knowledge of SSA policies and can provide personalized guidance. They help navigate income reporting and work incentives, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Consulting these professionals can improve the chances of a successful disability claim while allowing for permissible work.

Vocational rehabilitation services and other community resources offer support. These programs provide assistance with job placement, skills training, and understanding work incentives. Such resources help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence and financial stability, even during the application process. Exploring these avenues provides practical assistance and strategic insights into managing work alongside a disability claim.