This is one of the most common questions we hear from Michigan residents considering an SSDI application — and the answer is nuanced. Whether you can work while applying depends on how much you’re earning and what type of work you’re doing. The key concept is substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,620 per month in gross earnings for non-blind individuals.
If you are earning more than this amount from work at the time of your application, the SSA will generally find you are not disabled at Step 1 of the evaluation — regardless of your medical condition. Earning at or below the SGA threshold, however, does not prevent you from applying. This means that part-time work with earnings below the SGA limit is generally compatible with an SSDI application.
However, it’s important to be aware that the nature of your work matters too. If the SSA determines you are performing work that demonstrates significant physical or mental capacity — even below the SGA earnings threshold — it may affect how your functional limitations are evaluated. For existing SSDI recipients, the rules are different and include provisions for a trial work period and extended period of eligibility, which allow recipients to test their ability to return to work without immediately losing benefits.
There is also a timing consideration. SSDI has a five-month waiting period before benefits begin after the onset date. If you are working at a reduced level during the application period, it doesn’t eliminate back pay if your claim is approved — the onset date calculation looks at when you became unable to perform SGA, not when you stopped working entirely.
Our team at Grech Law Firm Attorney & Counselor can help Michigan residents understand how their current work situation affects their disability application. Contact us for a free consultation.
