As social security lawyers, we are often asked when you are applying for social security disability benefits, are you still able to work at all? When you apply for disability benefits, what you are establishing is that you are unable to work. The truth is, you can work on a part-time basis and still apply for disability benefits.

What Does The Social Security Office Look For When Determining Eligibility?

If someone is working, social security looks at two things: first, they’re going to look at the number of hours you are working. If you are working full-time hours (more than 25 hours), then you would not qualify because you’re capable of working on a full-time basis.

The other thing that they’re going to look at is the amount of money you’re earning. If you are making over $1,100 a month, then you are working and earning enough to not qualify for a disability benefit.

If someone is working on a part-time basis and making under $1,100 a month, then you can still continue with your disability claim. However, you have to demonstrate that you are working at that rate because of your health issues.

It’s not a matter of artificially lowering your work activity. You have to demonstrate that you still suffer from a health problem that does not permit you to work more than that.