Can I Work Part-Time While Applying for Social Security Disability?
One of the most frequent questions we receive at Durkin Law Offices is:
“Can I still work part-time hours and qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?”
The short answer is Yes, but you must navigate strict financial limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To protect your claim, it is essential to understand how the SSA evaluates part-time work through a concept known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
In Social Security terms, Substantial Gainful Activity essentially measures the gross amount you earn from work activity. If you are earning over a certain dollar threshold, the SSA assumes you are capable of working and are therefore not considered "disabled" under their strict definitions.
Because these limits adapt to inflation, the maximum amount you can earn changes from year to year.
The SGA Earnings Limits
- 2025 Limit: $1,620.00 per month
- 2026 Limit: $1,690.00 per month
Important Note: The SSA looks at your gross wages (your earnings before taxes are taken out), not your net take-home pay. If you are self-employed, the evaluation is slightly different and focuses on your net income and the nature of your duties.
The “6-Month" Rule Can Disqualify Your Claim
If your gross monthly earnings exceed the SGA limit ($1,690 per month in 2026) for several months, it can completely disqualify you from pursuing your disability or SSI case. Generally, consistently earning over this limit for 6 months acts as a hard cutoff, causing the SSA to automatically deny or terminate your application.
What is an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA)?
What happens if you try to return to work part-time but realize your medical condition makes it impossible to continue?
If you earn over the SGA limit for just a couple of months but are forced to stop working—or lose your job because of your medical condition—this may be classified as an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA).
A UWA can also apply if your employer had to make special, unsustainable accommodations for you to complete your duties. If your brief stint at work qualifies as an Unsuccessful Work Attempt, it will not be held against you and will not stop you from receiving benefits.
Protect Your Claim with Durkin Law Offices
Working even a few hours too many can inadvertently derail years of waiting for a disability approval. If you are considering part-time work or need help navigating your SSDI/SSI application, let us guide you through the process.
Contact Durkin Law Offices today to review your case and ensure your part-time employment doesn't jeopardize your benefits!
