Many injuries and ailments can impact a person’s livelihood. Because these conditions are often unpredictable in their severity and length, it can leave you feeling uncertain about your future earning potential. Some people consider seeking Social Security Disability benefits, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, many people have a crucial question. Can I receive Social Security disability benefits if I am able to work in the future?
Understandably, a person may not know the long-term implications of a health condition they’re suffering from. This is especially true if it’s a new condition or if they’re exploring new solutions to treat it. If you’re curious about applying for benefits but are concerned about what happens if your ability to work returns, a Social Security Disability attorney can help.
Qualifying Conditions Don’t Need to Be Permanent
A Social Security Disability case can arise when a person is no longer able to work due to health issues. Specifically, they must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This is defined as any work, including part-time work, intended to generate payments or profit. However, temporary ailments do not always meet the criteria for receiving benefits.
A person must have a qualifying condition that lasts a year or is expected to last a year to receive benefits. However, Social Security Disability laws do not require a disability to be permanent. This creates a scenario where a person could become eligible after a year, then relinquish their benefits if they’re able to return to work in the future.
What Is a Trial Work Period?
A Trial Work Period is a safety net offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a person currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits. This allows beneficiaries to test their ability to return to work without immediately losing their benefits.
The SSA will not consider your benefits to be terminated until you’ve worked nine months in a 60-month period, even if those nine months are not worked consecutively. As of 2026, the earnings threshold for a trial work month is $1,210.
Why a Person’s Disability Status May Change
Due to the sometimes unpredictable nature of health issues and their potential remedies, a person’s condition may change rapidly. There are several situations where someone who was formerly unable to complete SGA regains the ability to do so. These include:
- Lessening symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms of a medical condition can improve due to the long-term impacts of treatment, changes in nutrition, or for no discernible reason.
- New treatment options. Breakthrough treatments or new combinations of medicines can make once-debilitating conditions easier to manage or even cure them completely.
- Remission phases. Even if a person’s illness cannot be completely cured, some conditions can go into remission, allowing them to return to work.
- Strength and mobility improvements. Rehabilitation of muscular or skeletal issues can allow a person to regain movement and strength, enabling a return to work.
These are just some of the ways a person’s health may improve. However, the opposite is also possible. Relapses, complications, and new conditions can develop, potentially changing a person’s eligibility more than once. When you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer, they can help you navigate the process each time, no matter the changes in your health.
Facts About Social Security Disability’s Impact
In April 2024, there were about 7.3 million Social Security Disability recipients. Benefits also went to many recipients’ spouses and children. Even for those who were only unable to work for a short time, these benefits were essential for their well-being and that of their families. In December of the same year, 83.9% of those on disability were disabled workers.
In 2024, there were 629,871 awards, and many of these people may have been receiving benefits for a temporary condition before planning a return to work. Even if you are unsure about whether you qualify or whether your benefits will be needed for a long time to come, you can gain clarity when you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer.
FAQs
Q: Where Are Social Security Disability Cases Heard?
A: Social Security Disability cases are initially processed at the Sacramento SSA office. If appeals are exhausted and additional review is required, the case may be moved to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Your lawyer can help you understand the processes, locations, and expectations regarding your application at each stage.
Q: Does a Social Security Disability Application Require Medical Reports?
A: Yes, a Social Security Disability application typically requires medical reports. These can be received at a local medical facility in Sacramento, such as UC Davis Health. Once you’ve got clinical documentation about your condition and symptoms, your lawyer can use this to help you build a professional case for benefits.
Q: What Conditions Don’t Qualify for Social Security Disability?
A: Many conditions don’t qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. In addition to requiring the condition to last a year or longer, the SSA also requires medical documentation and evidence that the issue stops a person from consistently performing SGA. Undiagnosed issues, temporary or intermittent conditions, and some substance-induced conditions may not qualify.
Q: How Can a Lawyer Help You Apply for Social Security Disability?
A: A lawyer can help you apply for disability in multiple ways. Your legal professional can help you gather evidence, such as medical records and evidence of symptoms that impact your ability to work. They can also help you fill out necessary paperwork, understand court hearing schedules, and form strong professional arguments that increase your chance of being awarded benefits.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Many people miss out on benefits they could qualify for. Some assume their condition doesn’t qualify because it’s not permanent. Others worry about how their reward status may impact their ability to return to work in line with Social Security Disability benefit laws. Gade & Parekh, LLP has a knowledgeable and compassionate team dedicated to helping disability victims.
Our case-specific experience and dedicated approach have earned us a strong reputation in Stockton, Sacramento, and the surrounding areas. We’re not an application mill – we are focused on the professional and ethical completion of benefit applications to help those in need. Also, we don’t get paid unless you get your benefits. Contact a Stockton Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm today and start with a free consultation.