Can You Work While Applying for Social Security Disability?
Individuals can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) if a long-term injury or illness prevents them from working long-term. However, if you continue to work while your benefits application is pending, there is a good chance that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny your application. They will assume that you can work in some capacity and that, therefore, you do not need the relief that SSDI benefits provide.
In any case, when it comes to submitting a benefits application, you should never go at it alone. A knowledgeable California Social Security Disability Benefits lawyer in your area can help you file the necessary application materials, including sufficient medical documentation from a qualified healthcare provider in support of your claim. If the SSA denies your application for benefits on the first go-around, your lawyer can help you file an administrative appeal and pursue the full amount of benefits that you deserve.
Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
Individuals are eligible to receive SSDI benefits if they suffer from a qualified long-term disability or illness that prevents them from partaking in substantial gainful activity, otherwise known as an SGA. To be eligible for benefits, you must also have a medical provider on board in your case. Moreover, the provider must be willing to state, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that your illness or injury prevents you from working at any job – and in any capacity.
Therefore, if you are working a job while your disability application is pending, it is likely that the SSA will deny your benefits application.
Appealing a Claim Denial
Filing an application for SSDI benefits is often an uphill battle, and applicants must be sure to include all of the necessary medical documentation in support of their claim. They must also be sure to fill out all application materials correctly and completely. If there are mistakes – and if applicants do not include the proper supporting documentation – the SSA will deny their benefits application. In fact, it is not unusual for the SSA to deny an applicant’s benefits application the first time around.
If your claim for SSDI benefits has been denied, the SSA must send you a formal letter explaining the reason for the denial. The letter must also explain what you need to do – or what you need to include – to obtain the benefits you’re requesting on appeal.
In certain circumstances, you can appeal a claim denial. Typically, you need first to exhaust the administrative appeal remedies available.
When appealing a benefits denial, you may need to attach additional documentation from a healthcare provider or other medical records that indicate that your disability or illness prevents you from working in any capacity.
An Orange County SSDI benefits lawyer can help you appeal your claim denial and represent you in all legal proceedings in court.
Call a California SSDI Benefits Lawyer Today
If you are pursuing SSDI benefits, it is essential that you have experienced legal representation in your corner. An OC SSDI benefits attorney can represent you at all stages of the process and work to recover the benefits you need.