Something that surprises many people is that you actually are allowed to work while waiting for disability benefits.
However, the amounts vary from year to year and can have all sorts of different impacts on a disability claim.
The Social Security Administration has announced that in 2025, Substantial Gainful Activity (or SGA) is rising from $1,550 per month to $1,620 per month for non-blind claimants. What this essentially means is that after filing for disability, you’re allowed to make up to $1,620 per month and not have it count against you. For blind claimants, SGA is rising to $2,700 per month.
The increase should come as welcome news to many claimants in the midst of the lengthy wait for disability benefits. One interesting consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic is that with wages rising across the country, well above the $7.25 per hour minimum wage, many disabled people working part-time find themselves very close to SGA every month, or even go over.
While the rules about going over SGA are a bit complex, ultimately an attorney can argue that going over SGA one or two months shouldn’t count against you. However, if you consistently work above SGA after filing for disability, the best option may be to withdraw your disability claim.
In addition to the new SGA amount, Social Security has announced that in 2025, the Trial Work Period amount is increasing from $1,110 to $1,160 per month.
While similar to SGA, a Trial Work Period begins after being off work for at least one year while seeking, or receiving disability benefits. If a claimant exceeds this amount, Social Security will begin reviewing their case, and can ultimately cut off their benefits.
However, there are a lot of nuances to these rules, so if you return to work while seeking disability benefits, it’s best to discuss how this will impact your case with a disability attorney.
