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Pursuing Disability Benefits Means Any Work Has a Significant Impact on Your Claim
When you apply for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you’re asserting that you’re unable to work due to a medical condition. Many claimants don’t fully grasp what that means in practice—or how even minimal work activity can be used against them.
Whether you’re running errands for a neighbor, doing a few hours of consulting, or helping with the family business, any work—no matter how minor—can damage your credibility and lead to a denial or termination of benefits.
What Does “Disability” Really Mean in a Claim?
Most long-term disability insurance policies define disability in two stages:
- “Own Occupation” Period: You are unable to perform the material duties of your specific job.
- “Any Occupation” Period: You are unable to perform the duties of any gainful occupation that you’re reasonably suited for by education, training, or experience.
SSDI has one definition: you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
In both cases, being disabled doesn’t mean you’re bedridden—but it does mean that you cannot perform work in a consistent, reliable, and gainful way.
RELATED POST: Own Occupation vs. Any Occupation In LTD Claims
Even “Minimal” Work Can Undermine Your Claim
You may think that a few hours of light work won’t count against you. But insurers and the Social Security Administration look at more than just the number of hours or total income. They consider:
- The type of work you’re doing
- The skills or physical demands involved
- Whether the work suggests transferable ability to other occupations
- Whether you’re engaging in routine, goal-directed activity
From their perspective, if you can do some work, you may be able to do more. And if you’re able to do more, you may not meet the definition of disability under the policy or program.
Work Activity Creates an Inconsistent Narrative
One of the most important aspects of a disability claim is consistency between your symptoms, your medical records, your daily activities, and your legal claim. Work, even occasional work, can break that consistency.
If you tell your doctor that you can’t concentrate, sit, or stand for long periods, but your activities suggest otherwise, it weakens your entire case. And if the insurer or SSA finds out you’ve been working while claiming disability, they may:
- Deny your initial claim
- Terminate existing benefits
- Accuse you of misrepresentation or fraud
Example: Working “Just a Little” Can Cost You Everything
Consider James, an architect with severe migraines and post-concussive symptoms. He applies for LTD benefits after being unable to meet deadlines or handle meetings at his full-time job. While waiting for a decision, he helps a friend with a home renovation project a few hours a week and receives a small payment.
When his insurer discovers the side work, they argue that James has the capacity for gainful employment. Even though it’s not architecture and the pay is low, the activity contradicts his claim of disability.
It’s Harder to Prove You Can “Only” Work Occasionally
Some claimants try to walk a fine line, believing they can show they’re mostly disabled but still capable of a small amount of work. But this often backfires.
In reality, it’s much more difficult to prove that you are only able to work part-time or occasionally than it is to show that you cannot work at all. Why?
- Insurers and SSA may view limited work as a sign you’re not being honest.
- They may accuse you of artificially limiting your hours to qualify for benefits.
- The law doesn’t recognize partial disability in most SSDI claims, and many group LTD policies don’t either.
Your Attorney Can’t Decide What You’re Capable Of — But Your Doctor Can
If you’re unsure whether you can or should return to work in any capacity, your first step is to speak with your treating physicians. Only your doctor can determine your functional capacity. Your attorney can help you understand how work activity might impact your claim, but we can’t (and shouldn’t) tell you how much you’re able to work.
A strong claim is built on clear, consistent medical documentation that supports your limitations. If you’re doing any type of work, that documentation must specifically explain why you are still disabled despite that activity. Otherwise, you risk having your claim denied.
Why Work Activity Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
If you’re pursuing disability benefits, your actions should reflect the level of impairment you’re claiming. That doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself or stop all activity, but you do need to avoid anything that might look like employment unless it’s cleared by your doctor and carefully evaluated by your legal team.
Before you:
- Take on a side gig
- Help a friend with their business
- Accept a part-time role
- Start a new project that involves payment or structure
… ask yourself whether it could be viewed as work activity. If the answer is yes, or if you’re unsure, get advice before moving forward.
RELATED POST: Disability Benefits Are Not A Supplement To Part-Time Work
