When you're applying for Social Security disability benefits, you may wonder if it's okay to try to work during the application process. The answer is yes, but with some important limitations.

If you try to work and earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit while your disability application is pending, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny your application. However, the SSA recognizes that some people want to try to return to work while they're waiting for their application to be processed. In these cases, the SSA has a provision for an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA).

An Unsuccessful Work Attempt is a period of time when you tried to work, but had to stop or reduce your work hours and earnings due to your disability. The SSA allows you to earn up to the SGA level for up to six months and still possibly qualify for disability benefits. However, there must be a substantial pause in your work activity before going back to work and your work must stop or drop below SGA within that six-month period due to your impairments.

If you're able to work for six months or more at an SGA level during the application process, the SSA will likely consider that you're not disabled and deny your application. However, if you can show that your work attempt was unsuccessful due to your impairments, the SSA may not count that time against your disability claim.

It's important to note that an Unsuccessful Work Attempt is not the same as a Trial Work Period (TWP). A TWP is a period of time after you've been approved for disability benefits when you can try to work and still receive benefits. During a TWP, you can earn any amount of money and still receive your full disability benefits. A TWP lasts for nine months within a five-year period.

In summary, if you're applying for Social Security disability benefits and want to try to return to work during the application process, an Unsuccessful Work Attempt can help you preserve your disability claim. However, there are strict limitations on how long you can work. It's important to follow the rules and document your work attempts and any medical reasons why you had to stop working. If you have any questions or concerns about Unsuccessful Work Attempts or disability claims, contact Di Lorenzo and Wilcox, we understand the challenges that individuals face when applying for disability benefits. Our team has extensive experience helping clients navigate the complex Social Security Disability system and maximizing their chances of success. If you're in Southeast Georgia and need assistance with your disability claim, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation.