Yes, you can work part-time and still be approved for disability, if your earnings are less than the SGA threshold and your work activity doesn’t suggest you’re capable of full-time employment.
Here are a few things SSA is looking at in their determination:
- Your monthly income before taxes
- The type of work you’re doing
- How many hours you work
- Whether the work shows you can perform substantial, ongoing activity
For example, if you work a few hours a week and earn $700 a month doing a job with accommodations due to your condition, SSA may still consider you disabled. But if you’re working frequently (even part-time) and getting close to the income limit, the SSA might decide that your condition doesn’t affect your ability to work.
What About “Unsuccessful Work Attempts”?
Sometimes people try to return to work out of necessity, but can’t maintain it due to their condition. If you attempt to work and it lasts less than 6 months due to your health, SSA may treat that as an “unsuccessful work attempt” and notcount it against you.
That said, it’s important to provide clear documentation of the circumstances and explain how your disability prevented you from continuing.
Why It’s a Good Idea to Talk to an Attorney
Work activity can complicate your disability case. But it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The key is understanding the limits and making sure your application clearly shows how your condition affects your ability to work long-term. At Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA, we help clients navigate these gray areas all the time. We’ll walk you through the SGA rules, help you document your work activity properly, and advocate for your case every step of the way.
Have Questions About Working and Disability?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re currently working part-time or considering it while waiting for a decision, we can guide you through what’s allowed and what could impact your case.
The Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA Team is located in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability advocates to analyze your case thoroughly in order to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods to prove the crucial facts of your case and gather the necessary evidence. Having 40+ years of experience serving Northern Ohioans, we know the ins and outs of the local disability process.