A question I often discuss with clients is when they should apply for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer, the best answer is when your medical condition interferes with your ability to perform work activity and your medical evidence supports that claim.
However, it is important to note that when you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you cannot be engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” Social Security defines substantial gainful activity as earning $1,180 or more per month (in 2018). The amount for 2019 is $2,040 per month. You also cannot be working more than 20 hours per week.
If your earnings and work activity are both below those prescribed levels, you may be able to apply for disability. At that point, once you submit the application, Social Security will review your medical evidence to determine whether your impairments prevent you from not only engaging in your past work (from the last 15 years), but also possibly whether there is other work you can do.
If Social Security feels, based on your medical evidence, that you can return to your past work or adjust to other work, you will not be found to be disabled. However, if they find that you cannot perform your past work or adjust to any other jobs, they will find you to be disabled.
Therefore, it is important to be sure you are not working at substantial gainful activity levels and that your medical evidence supports your conditions and claims when applying for SSDI or SSI benefits. If you have questions about substantial gainful activity or medical evidence, contact a lawyer today.