How Much Can I Work and Still Apply for Disability?

Social Security uses a measure called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to help determine whether someone’s work activity is too substantial to qualify as disabled.

For 2026, the general SGA amounts are:

Most applicants$1,690per month
Applicants who meet Social Security’s definition of blindness$2,830per month

SGA limits are updated periodically by the Social Security Administration.

If your countable earnings are consistently above the SGA limit, qualifying for SSDI can be more difficult because Social Security may determine that you are capable of substantial work.

Being below the limit does not automatically mean you’ll qualify. Social Security also considers your medical condition, your ability to perform work activities, and whether your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.

What If I’m Only Working Part Time?

Part-time work doesn’t necessarily prevent you from receiving SSDI. Your condition may have forced you to:

  • Reduce your hours or miss work frequently
  • Take additional breaks
  • Perform easier or fewer job duties
  • Rely on extra help or accommodations
  • Move into a lower-paying position

Those details can matter. Social Security doesn’t look at your diagnosis alone. The question is how your condition affects your ability to work consistently and perform substantial work activity.

Social Security may also consider disability-related work expenses, employer subsidies, special working conditions, or a short work attempt that ended because of your medical condition.

What Does Social Security Look At?

Your work activity is only one part of an SSDI claim. Social Security generally needs to determine whether you have a medically documented condition that prevents substantial gainful work and has lasted—or is expected to last—for at least 12 months.

Your claim may involve factors such as:

  • Your current earnings and work history
  • How many hours you’re able to work
  • Your medical records and limitations
  • Whether your condition causes missed work or reduced duties
  • Whether you need special accommodations or assistance

Two people earning similar amounts could therefore have very different disability claims.

Should I Apply If I’m Still Working?

If your medical condition is interfering with your ability to keep working, don’t assume that having a job automatically means you aren’t eligible for SSDI.

The rules surrounding work and disability benefits depend heavily on individual circumstances. A simple eligibility review can help you understand whether it makes sense to take the next step.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for SSDI while I still have a job?

Yes. Having a job does not automatically prevent you from applying. Your earnings and the work you’re performing will be important factors in Social Security’s evaluation.

Can I get disability if I work part time?

Potentially. Part-time work may still be compatible with an SSDI claim depending on your earnings, job duties, medical limitations, and other circumstances.

Do I have to quit my job before applying for disability?

Not necessarily. However, working at a level Social Security considers substantial gainful activity can affect your eligibility.

What if I tried to keep working but couldn’t?

A short period of work that ends or drops below substantial gainful activity because of your impairment may, in certain circumstances, be treated as an unsuccessful work attempt.