While you are waiting for your Social Security disability benefits to be approved, how are you supposed to pay your living expenses? Many people face this problem when they apply for SSDI or SSI benefits. However, if you continue to work full time after applying for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny your application because it assumes you are not disabled if you are working full time. If you need to continue working after filing for Social Security disability benefits, you may want to consult with a New York City social security disability claims lawyer before filing your SSI or SSDI application.

Meeting the Definition of Disabled According to the Social Security Administration

The SSA has a strict definition of disabled. The SSA definition of disability means that you are unable to work to earn a minimum amount of money (perform a substantial gainful activity) because of a mental or physical condition that can be verified medically. You must have had the condition for at least one year, or the condition is expected to last at least one year or result in your death.

The SSA’s Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) is used as a guideline to determine if your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing a substantial gainful activity (work). The listing is divided into sections based on the major body systems. Each section contains information about various conditions that are considered to be severe enough to prevent a person from working. Your condition must meet or exceed the requirements in the Blue Book to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

There are some exceptions, and there are procedures for determining disability when the condition is not listed in the Blue Book, or a person’s symptoms are different from those listed in the Blue Book.

Working While Waiting for Social Security Disability Benefits

Typically, most people are not working when they apply for disability benefits. They file their SSDI or SSI application because they have tried to work and are unable to hold a job because of their disability. However, the SSA may still consider an SSDI application if the person is working, provided that the person is not earning more than the maximum amount set for substantial gainful activity. For individuals applying for SSI, working could make it more difficult to receive disability benefits because SSI is an income-based disability program for low-income individuals. SSI applicants must be very careful when working and applying for disability benefits.

Call a New York City Social Security Disability Claims Attorney If You Are Still Working

If you are working when you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you may want to consult an attorney before filing your initial application. The information you include on your application could help you prove to the SSA that even though you may be working, you cannot continue to work long-term because of your disability.

Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits while working may be more difficult, but it could be possible with the help of an experienced a New York City Social Security disability claims attorney. Call us today to schedule a consult.