When financial pressures mount due to a medical condition, it’s natural to look for ways to stay afloat. Many people receiving or applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits wonder: “Can I work part-time to make up the difference?” Unfortunately, that approach can backfire. Disability benefits are not designed to supplement part-time work — and attempting to combine the two can put your entire claim at risk.
The Core Misunderstanding: Disability Isn’t Meant to “Top Off” Your Income
One of the most common misconceptions we see is the idea that you can collect disability benefits and work a reduced schedule to make ends meet. The thinking goes something like this: “If I’m not making what I used to, shouldn’t I be able to get some help from my policy or Social Security to fill the gap?”
But that’s not how disability benefits work.
To qualify for most long-term disability benefits, you must prove that you’re unable to perform your job. Depending on the policy, you may even have to prove you’re unable to perform any job. Similarly, SSDI requires that you be unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), meaning work that earns above a certain monthly threshold. If you’re still working, even in a reduced capacity, it sends the message that you’re not totally disabled.
The Legal Standard: Total vs. Partial Disability
Some private disability insurance policies allow for partial disability benefits. This may cover situations where you’re working fewer hours or earning less due to your condition. However, many employer-sponsored LTD plans, particularly those governed by ERISA, only provide benefits if you meet the definition of total disability. That typically means you must be unable to work in your “own occupation” during the first phase of the claim, and in any occupation later on.
With SSDI, the standard is even more rigid. You must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which in 2025 generally means earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind). There’s no benefit tier for “sort of disabled” — you either meet the threshold or you don’t.
And here’s the paradox: It’s actually much harder to prove that you’re only capable of part-time work than it is to prove that you cannot work at all.
That’s because insurers and the SSA may assume that if you can work some hours, you could probably work more. They could determine that you’re intentionally limiting your hours to qualify for benefits. They may accuse you of “self-limiting” your work rather than being medically restricted.
Unless you have airtight documentation from your doctors and a clear explanation for your limited schedule, working part-time appears suspicious. In their view, you’re either well enough to work full-time, or you’re not. That leaves very little room for nuance — and a high risk of denial.
Real-World Example: A Costly Misstep
Let’s say Michelle works as an accountant and develops severe fibromyalgia. She applies for LTD benefits through her employer’s group plan. While waiting for a decision, she starts working part-time for a friend’s small business, handling books 10 hours a week for extra cash.
When the insurance company reviews her claim, they discover that she’s working — even though it’s fewer hours and a lower-level role. They deny her claim, arguing that her ability to work at all contradicts her claim of total disability.
Even worse, if Michelle had already been approved for benefits, her part-time work could trigger a termination of her payments.
The Insurance Company Is Watching
Whether you’re applying for benefits or already receiving them, insurers are always looking for signs that your condition has improved or that your claim isn’t valid. Part-time work is often seen as a red flag.
Insurers may:
- Monitor your income via tax returns or wage records.
- Hire private investigators to conduct surveillance.
- Look at bank records or public business filings.
- Search for job listings or online resumes associated with your name.
This scrutiny can feel invasive, but it’s allowed — and part-time work can give them the justification they’re looking for to deny your claim.
What If You Truly Can’t Survive Without Working?
We understand that many claimants are in a financial bind. If you can’t survive without doing some type of work, you should speak to an experienced disability attorney before taking that risk.
An attorney can help you:
- Review your policy or SSDI eligibility.
- Explain whether your situation allows for “residual” or “partial” benefits.
- Explore options like short-term assistance or family support while your claim is pending.
- Avoid unintentional self-sabotage by documenting your limitations properly.
Working part-time might be a strategic step after you’re approved. It’s possible through programs like a trial work period (in SSDI) or partial disability provisions (in some private policies). But doing it during the application or appeal process is rarely advisable.
Why This Matters for Your Claim
Most disability benefits are intended to replace income lost due to a complete inability to work, not to boost part-time earnings. Even limited work can raise red flags and lead to a denial or termination of benefits. This is especially true if the insurer or SSA suspects you’re underreporting your capacity or manipulating your hours.
If you’re considering part-time work while pursuing benefits, it’s crucial to understand the risks. Contact the Ortiz Law Firm for a free case evaluation before making any decisions that could jeopardize your claim. We’ll help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
