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Securing Disability Benefits For Those Who Need Them Most

Ohio Social Security Disability Attorneys: Can You Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?

An SSDI decision can take months or years. Bills do not stop, and the need to bring in any income feels impossible to ignore. At Manring & Farrell, we understand that position. Our attorneys directly represent every client we take on, and we have helped achieve results in more than 15,000 disability cases. Getting guidance early can prevent an avoidable mistake.

What Substantial Gainful Activity Is And Why the 2026 Threshold Matters

The SSA applies a strict, all-or-nothing definition to disability. Your condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months, and partial disability does not qualify. Either you cannot perform substantial work, or the SSA treats you as able to work.

The SSA uses a monthly earnings limit to measure substantial work. In 2026, that limit is $1,690, and earning above it serves as presumptive proof that you can work. If you regularly earn $1,750 monthly while your claim is pending, an examiner will likely deny your application on that basis alone.

The Danger Zone: Why Earning Near The SGA Limit Still Puts Your Claim At Risk

Staying below SGA does not make your claim safe. Examiners look for patterns that suggest you can work, and three situations raise the most risk:

  • Consistent part-time hours: Regular work signals an ability to sustain employment.
  • Earnings near the limit: Income between $1,400 and $1,600 may draw scrutiny when combined with consistent work patterns, even when it is below $1,690.
  • Unreported income: Any undisclosed earnings can trigger fraud concerns and automatic denial.

On the other hand, SSI works differently than SSDI. It is need-based, and earned income directly reduces your monthly cash payment. The current Federal Benefit Rate is $994. After income exclusions, SSI reduces your benefit by 50 cents for each dollar earned.

How Manring & Farrell Fights Complex Income Cases Across Ohio

Manring & Farrell takes cases many firms will not. We handle 80 to 90 or more appeals per year, sometimes stepping in after five to 10 denials, building arguments around Unsuccessful Work Attempts, subsidized work and special job accommodations.

Do not accept part-time work without speaking with one of our attorneys first because a single paycheck at the wrong amount can change your case outcome.

One Call Could Protect The Claim You Have Been Waiting For

You should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and protecting your claim. At Manring & Farrell, we devote our entire practice to SSD, SSI and Veterans benefits claims, and we offer free initial consultations. Call our office at 614-678-7199 or reach out to us online.