Can You Apply for Disability While Still Working?

The answer to the question, “Can you apply for disability while still working?” is generally yes. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Overview of the SSDI and SSI Application Approval Process

The process to get approved for SSDI and/or SSI can be lengthy, which can create financial difficulty for many people. However, if you continue to work while applying for disability or while you are waiting for a decision on your disability claim, then your application for disability benefits will likely be denied.

Among other factors, the SSA considers your ability to work in determining whether you are disabled. Generally, you should not apply for Social Security disability benefits while still working. If you have questions about the process, reach out to a skilled New Jersey disability lawyer to schedule a free claim review.

Your Ability to Work and The Disability Approval Process

To be eligible for SSDI and/or SSI, you must be able to prove that you are disabled. The SSA uses a five-step sequential process to determine if a person is disabled:

• If you are working while applying for disability, you cannot earn more than an average of $1,470 (in 2023) per month (known as substantially gainful employment). If you are not working, then the SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will decide your condition;
• Your impairment or combination of impairments must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work, and must be expected to last for a year or longer or to result in death;
• Your impairment must meet or exceed all of the requirements on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, or it must have other factors that equal a medical condition on the list;
• If your impairment does not meet this criterion, then it must prevent you from performing any of your past work; and
• You must not be able to do any other type of work, based on your impairment, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills.

Yes, you can apply for disability benefits while working, but your income must fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit set by Social Security. If your condition significantly impacts your ability to work, you may qualify. Consult Social Security guidelines or a legal expert for detailed eligibility information.

Contact a Disability Benefits Law Firm to Schedule a Free Disability Claim Review

The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming, particularly when you are already dealing with a health issue. If you plan to stop working or have already quit your job, reach out to a New Jersey disability lawyer to schedule a free consultation about your case. If you are wondering how to apply for disability in NJ then contact us today.

Bross & Frankel represents people with disabilities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania who are unable to work due to a disability. For help with the Social Security disability process, give us a call at (866) 860-5623. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a free claim review with an SSD attorney.