Yes. You can work while applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but working may affect your eligibility for benefits.

Social Security looks at whether your work activity is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If your countable earnings or work activity are above the current SGA limit, Social Security may determine that you are not disabled.

The rules can be complicated. Social Security does not simply look at your paycheck. Different rules may apply depending on:

• Whether you are applying for SSDI, SSI, or both
• Whether you are an employee or self-employed
• How many hours you work
• Whether you receive special accommodations at work
• Whether your work attempt was unsuccessful because of your medical condition
• Whether you have impairment-related work expenses (IRWEs)
• Whether part of your earnings may be considered a subsidy

SSI has additional income and resource rules that are different from SSDI. In some SSI cases, even part-time work or financial support from others can affect monthly payments.

Social Security also has different work rules for people who are already receiving benefits, including trial work periods and other work incentives. Those rules are separate from the rules that apply during the application process.

Working while applying for disability benefits does not automatically disqualify you. Many people attempt part-time work because of financial necessity while still having serious medical limitations.

Because work activity can significantly affect a disability claim, it is important to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney about your specific situation before returning to work or continuing employment during the disability process.