Social Security Looks at Your Ability to Work

The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally considers whether a medical condition prevents an applicant from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

Because of this, continuing to work and earn income can affect a disability claim. However, working does not necessarily mean that you cannot apply for benefits.

Social Security may consider factors such as:

• How much income you earn

• How many hours you work

• The duties you perform

• Whether accommodations or additional assistance are required

• Whether your medical condition causes you to miss work or reduce your hours

• Whether attempts to return to work have been unsuccessful

Your individual circumstances matter, which is why it is important to provide accurate information about your employment.

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is a term Social Security uses when evaluating work and earnings. The SSA establishes earnings thresholds that generally change from year to year.

If your earnings exceed the applicable SGA amount, Social Security may determine that you are capable of substantial work activity. However, earnings are not necessarily the only consideration in every situation.

Because these limits can change, applicants should verify the current SSA guidelines rather than relying on an outdated earnings figure.

What If You Can Only Work Part-Time?

Working part-time does not automatically prevent someone from applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

For example, a medical condition may allow you to work a limited number of hours but prevent you from maintaining a regular full-time schedule. You may also require frequent breaks, miss work because of symptoms or medical appointments, or need significant accommodations.

Social Security can consider the circumstances surrounding your work activity when evaluating your claim.

What If You Tried to Return to Work but Couldn't Continue?

Some individuals attempt to return to work only to discover that their medical condition makes continuing employment impossible.

A short-lived attempt to return to work can be relevant to a disability claim. Depending on the circumstances, Social Security may consider why the employment ended, how long the person worked, their earnings, and whether the medical condition caused them to stop working or reduce their workload.

Keeping accurate records of unsuccessful work attempts can be helpful.

Be Accurate About Your Employment

It is important to provide Social Security with complete and accurate information about any work performed during the disability application process.

Keep records of important details such as:

• Dates you worked

• Hours worked each week

• Earnings

• Changes in your responsibilities

• Workplace accommodations

• Absences related to your condition

This information can help provide a clearer picture of how your medical condition affects your ability to maintain employment.

Every Disability Claim Is Different

There is no single answer that applies to everyone considering Social Security Disability benefits.

A person working a few hours each week under significant accommodations may have very different circumstances from someone regularly working full-time. Your medical evidence, earnings, work activity, and functional limitations all contribute to how Social Security evaluates your claim.

Before making significant decisions about employment while applying for disability benefits, it can be helpful to understand how those decisions may affect your particular case.

Social Security Disability Representation Across Southern Oklahoma

Polly Murphy, P.C. helps individuals throughout Southern Oklahoma navigate Social Security Disability claims and appeals. From understanding eligibility requirements to preparing documentation and addressing denied claims, the firm helps clients navigate each stage of the disability process.

Have Questions About Working While Applying for Disability?

If a medical condition is affecting your ability to maintain employment and you are considering Social Security Disability benefits, Polly Murphy, P.C. can help you better understand your options.

Contact Polly Murphy, P.C. to discuss your situation and learn more about the Social Security Disability application and appeals process in Southern Oklahoma.