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MY WIFE WORKS AND EARNS GOOD MONEY. CAN I STILL GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Yes, you may collect Social Security disability if your spouse or someone else living in your household works.  It doesn't matter how much money they earn.

The only restriction for SSDI benefits is that the claimant cannot be working at "Substantial Gainful Activity" or SGA.  In 2025, you are working at SGA level if you earn gross monthly wages of at least $1,620 per month.  (In 2024 that amount was $1,550 per month; it's adjusted annually for inflation).

Social Security disability is not needs-based or income restricted.  You don't need to be poor or have limited finances to get SSDI benefits.   (Don't confuse SSDI with Supplemental Security Income or SSI, which does have severe financial restrictions).

With SSDI, you may have large savings, bank accounts or investments--as long as you (the claimant) is not working.

SSDI looks only at the claimant's income--and only to see if the income is from work activity (wages, salary, commissions or self employment).  Types of income, for example, that will NOT interfere with SSDI benefits would be

  • disability benefits from an employer or insurance company
  • retirement benefits from your employer or pension
  • child support or alimony payments
  • Investment income from stocks, bonds or other investments
  • rental income from a property you rent or lease to someone

Those types of income do not count against SSDI claimants because they do not involve work.  They do not represent wages, salary, commissions or payment for work you do.

The main thing to keep in mind about Social Security Disability (SSDI) is that you can't work at SGA level and get a disability benefit at the same time. It is the WORK that disqualifies you.  If you work you can't say that you are unable to work.

If you need help navigating the complicated world of Social Security disability, we invite you to contact

Charles W. Forsythe * The Forsythe Firm * Huntsville, AL  (256) 799-0297.

Free Consultation      Never a Fee Unless You Win     Personal Service

 


                                                                

                                                             



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