Waiting on a Social Security Disability decision can take months. If you’re in pain and struggling financially, the idea of going back to work can feel tempting. This can be true even if you’re planning to work just a few hours a week. But working during this time can raise questions about your case and delay or even hurt your claim.
If you’re thinking about working while your claim is pending, here’s what you need to know first.
Working could raise doubts about your condition
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks closely at whether your condition stops you from doing full-time work. If you start working while your claim is under review, the SSA may question whether your medical issues are truly severe or disabling. This could:
- Slow down the approval process
- Trigger extra reviews of your medical records
- Lead to a denial if the work suggests you can still do substantial activity
Even a part-time or low-paying job can affect how SSA sees your ability to function day to day.
Social Security has limits on how much you can earn
The SSA uses a guideline called “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). If you earn more than the SGA limit, they may assume you’re not disabled under their rules.
If you stay under that limit, it may still be possible to work. But it adds a layer of risk. The SSA can still argue that your ability to earn any income shows you’re not fully disabled.
Before taking any job, it’s important to track your hours, pay, and duties carefully.
Some exceptions apply to short-term or trial work
There are some limited exceptions for work done during the disability process. SSA might ignore short attempts to work if:
- The job lasted less than six months
- You had to stop because of your condition
- You needed extra help or special conditions to keep the job
These are called “unsuccessful work attempts.” But they still must be documented and explained clearly. You may need medical notes or employer statements to show the work was not proof of recovery.
What to consider before you start working
If you’re thinking about working, it’s smart to weigh the risks. Consider asking yourself:
- Can I do the job safely and without harming my health?
- Will my employer document special accommodations?
- Can I keep my earnings well below the SGA limit?
- Do I have medical support showing my condition hasn’t improved?
Working while waiting on your disability claim can backfire, even if your intentions are good. The SSA may see your work as proof that you’re not as limited as your application says. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence, but you do need to think ahead and move carefully.
If you’re unsure what to do, talking to a lawyer who handles disability claims can help protect your future benefits.