1. Understanding the SSA’s Work Rules

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the term Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if your work shows you’re capable of supporting yourself.

• For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind applicants is $1,550 per month in gross earnings.
• For blind applicants, the SGA limit is higher — $2,590 per month.

If your earnings are above these limits, the SSA will likely deny your claim because it shows you can work at a substantial level.

2. Trial Work and Part-Time Jobs

You’re allowed to take part-time jobs or very limited work while your application is pending, as long as your earnings stay below SGA.

Examples of allowable situations include:

• Working a few hours a week at a light-duty job
• Freelancing occasionally
• Seasonal or temporary work

However, even if you stay under the earnings limit, working too much could make the SSA think your condition isn’t severe enough to prevent full-time work.

3. The Risk of “Unsuccessful Work Attempts”

If you try to work but can’t keep the job for more than six months because of your disability, the SSA may classify this as an unsuccessful work attempt. This can actually help your case by showing you tried but were unable to sustain work. However, this must be well-documented with medical proof and employer records.

4. Self-Employment Considerations

If you’re self-employed in Oklahoma while waiting for SSDI, the SSA will not just look at income — they’ll also evaluate how much work you perform for your business. Even if you earn very little, doing significant tasks (managing clients, making deliveries, handling operations) can count as substantial activity.

5. Reporting Your Work to the SSA

If you decide to work at all, you must report your earnings to the SSA immediately. Failing to do so can:



• Delay your application
• Lead to an overpayment if you’re later approved
• Result in penalties or denial of benefits

You can report work activity online, by phone, or in writing.