You Tried to Keep Working. Could That Hurt Your SSDI Claim?

Trying to Work When Disabled

When a medical condition begins affecting your ability to work, you may try to push through it. You may reduce your hours, change your duties, take time off, or even attempt to return to work after leaving a job. If you are eventually unable to continue working, you may wonder whether those attempts could hurt your chances of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

The answer depends on the circumstances. Trying to work does not automatically mean that you are able to work on a sustained basis or that you are ineligible for disability benefits.

An Attempt to Work Does Not Always Tell the Whole Story

SSA looks at your ability to engage in substantial work activity when evaluating an SSDI claim. The fact that you attempted to work does not necessarily mean that you were capable of maintaining employment.

For example, you may have returned to work because you hoped your condition would improve. You may have been able to work for a short period before your symptoms became too severe. You may also have reduced your hours or received special accommodations because of your medical condition.

These circumstances can provide important context about your disability. Your work history should be considered alongside your medical records and the limitations caused by your condition.

If you attempted to work but were unable to continue because of your medical condition, it is important to accurately explain what happened. SSA may consider the circumstances surrounding your work attempt when evaluating your claim.

What Your Failed Attempt to Return to Work Could Mean for Your SSDI Claim

A failed attempt to return to work may help demonstrate that your medical condition continues to interfere with your ability to maintain employment. However, every SSDI claim is different, and the details surrounding your work attempt matter.

Medical evidence can be particularly important. Your treatment records may help establish when your symptoms became more severe, what limitations you experienced, and why you were unable to continue working.

If you are applying for SSDI, do not assume that an unsuccessful attempt to work automatically disqualifies you. Understanding how your work attempt fits into the larger picture of your claim can be important.

If you have been denied disability benefits or need to apply, contact the SSD lawyers of Berger and Green for a free consultation.