When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the very first things that are examined are your work history and current earnings. Since SSDI is an earned benefit, you need to prove both a solid work history and a small or no current income.
If you have sufficient work credits, the next thing Social Security asks is whether you are earning $1,690 or more per month gross.
In 2026, if you are earning $1,690 per month gross or more (meaning before taxes are taken out of your paycheck), you are over the limit. That is considered substantial gainful activity (SGA).
If your answer is yes, your claim will be denied immediately.
They will not look at your medical records.
They will not review your diagnoses.
They will not consider your pain or your limitations.
The case ends.
It does not matter if your condition is serious. It does not matter if you are struggling at work. If your earnings are over the SGA amount, the law requires Social Security to refuse disability benefits.
If your earnings are under $1,690 per month gross in 2026, your case can move forward. But there is something important you need to understand. Even earning less than SGA can make your case harder to win.
Why? Because Social Security may look at your job and think, “If you can work part-time, maybe you can work full-time.” They will look at your activities at work.
Are you standing?
Lifting?
Using a computer?
Talking to customers?
Staying on task for several hours?
If you are able to do those things, even for a few hours a day, Social Security may question how limited you really are. They may compare what you say you cannot do with what you are doing at work.
This does not mean you cannot apply if you are under the SGA limit. It just means your work activity can raise questions.
The bottom line is simple. If you are earning $1,690 per month gross or more in 2026, you should not file because your claim will be denied.
But even if you are earning less than that limit, if you file for disability while you are working, your case could get complicated.
Before you apply, make sure you understand how your earnings and job duties could affect your claim. Knowing this can save you time, stress, and frustration.
At Disability Advocates, we understand that every situation is unique, and we take the time to explain your options clearly so you know what to expect.