12/01/2025
Should you stop working to file for Social Security Disability?
First, you have to know if you qualify for SSI or SSDI. -This is extremely important. If you have a lengthy work record, chances are you will qualify for SSDI. Working while applying for SSDI is considerably better than doing so while filing for SSI benefits.
Next, know the income limits you are allowed while working and applying for Social Security disability benefits. For 2025, the most you can earn pre-tax (gross income) is $1,620.00 per month. Make above this, and you will lose your ability to receive disability benefits. Please understand, this is the income you get out of bed and brush your teeth and head to work to earn.
Then, I would tell you to consider your age bracket. For those 49 years old and younger, working while filing for benefits is generally frowned upon. In one sense, you are making the claim that you are unable to perform any work in the national economy, and at the same time by working, you are also stating (without saying it) that you are able to hold down a job.
I get it, for many of us, the ability to completely stop working may be impossible. And for that, my heart goes out to you.
For those 50 years old and older, working some while filing for benefits is not such a huge deal breaker. Yes, it can still hurt your case, but someone can still work a little and if he or she fits one of the rules Social Security has about determining if someone is disabled, they can still be successful.
If you are over the age of 55, then the rules are again more so in your favor for being approved, even if you are working a little bit.
Of course, this all depends on a number of factors. For example, the kind of work you performed full-time in the last 5 years, how severe your impairments are, and if your disabling conditions are physical rather than mental. This is especially true where a claimant is applying for disability benefits and stating that he or she suffers from depression, anxiety, etc. It's harder to show that he or she can still claim they are disabled if they are currently able to work some with the general public, around other workers, and do not seem to have difficulties getting along with their boss, and are able to mentally complete tasks on their own. Therefore, the physical limitations and a continuance of work is always going to see a better chance of approval than mental limitations.
We hope this helped. If you would like to discuss further, call us: (888) 780-9125.
