Getting sick or injured does not always mean you must stop working right away. If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Michigan, you may wonder whether earning a paycheck could hurt your application. The answer depends on how much you work and earn, as well as whether your work shows that you can perform substantial work.
How working can affect an SSDI application
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses substantial gainful activity (SGA) to help decide whether someone has a disability that prevents them from working. For 2026, the SSA sets the monthly SGA threshold at $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for people who are statutorily blind. Going over the applicable amount may affect eligibility for SSDI benefits.
However, working does not always end an application. For example, earning below the SGA limit may allow your application to continue. The SSA also considers certain work attempts that do not last or do not produce enough income.
Keeping records of your hours, earnings and changes in your work can help show how your medical condition affects your ability to work. Reporting changes in employment can also create a clearer record for the SSA to review.
What the SSA may consider about your work
The SSA may look at more than whether you have a job. Several details can affect how the agency views your work activity, including:
- How much you earn each month
- How many hours you work
- Whether your medical condition limits your duties
- Whether you stopped working because of your condition
- Whether you received special help or accommodations at work
For example, working fewer hours because of severe back pain may provide important context about your ability to maintain employment. Getting legal assistance can help you present work and medical information in a way that addresses the issues the SSA may consider.
When work becomes part of the SSDI question
Working while applying for SSDI does not automatically mean your claim will fail. Still, your earnings and work activity can play an important role in the decision.
Knowing how the SSA evaluates work activity may help you see where your application stands and what issues could affect your claim.