If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will ask whether you can perform “substantial gainful activity,” often called SGA. In 2026, SGA usually means earning more than $1,690 per month, or $2,830 per month if you are blind. Earning above that level makes it considerably harder to qualify for disability benefits, which are for people whose medical conditions prevent them from working at a substantial level.

That does not mean every work attempt automatically defeats a claim. The Social Security adjudicator may consider if your work was insignificant, whether you received special accommodations, and whether your medicals condition quickly forced you to stop. Short, unsuccessful work attempts are treated differently than steady, ongoing work. We have many clients who work a little bit while they apply for disability; a disability application does not stop bills, after all. Many have medical conditions that might allow them to do a little work, such as part-time food delivery, but would prevent regular and continuing work.

If you are already receiving SSDI, you may be able to try working through Social Security’s work incentive rules. One important protection is the Trial Work Period, which allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. In 2026, any month in which you earn more than $1,210 generally counts as a Trial Work Period month. After the Trial Work Period ends, Social Security uses SGA rules to decide whether your work affects your continuing eligibility. While on benefits, you can also take advantage of the Ticket to Work program to help take steps back towards working.

The most important rule: Report your work and earnings to Social Security. Failing to report work can lead to overpayments, benefit interruptions, or other problems.

In short, you can work while applying for or receiving SSDI, but the amount you earn and the nature of the work matter. If you are unsure how work could affect your claim or benefits, speak with a disability attorney or Social Security representative before making major changes.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please speak directly with a Social Security disability lawyer.