Are you a remote worker and wonder if you are eligible for disability benefits?
The road to securing SSDI benefits is a complex process. Claimants must have a qualifying disability and meet stringent criteria.
But what about work requirements?
Do remote workers are entitled to Social Security benefits? Can you still work from home while receiving SSDI?
In this article, disability lawyers Indiana will use their knowledge and experience to answer all your questions. You’ll learn the requirements to file for SSDI as a remote worker and valuable tips to enhance your claim.
Understanding SSDI Eligibility
Do you wonder if you are eligible for disability benefits?
Let’s find out.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles Social Security disability benefits, including SSDI.
This organization has stringent criteria that applicants must meet to qualify.
While many factors determine your eligibility for SSDI, these are the core conditions you must meet to receive benefits:
- You have a qualifying disability—a health condition listed on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments.
- Your disability prevents you from working (or getting a new job).
- Your disability is long-term—expected to last at least 12 months.
- You have enough work credits.
As long as you cover all those points, you have a good chance of winning disability benefits.
However, the process of securing SSDI is not that simple. Let’s dive deeper into how this journey works for remote workers.
Does Remote Work Affect Work Credits?
To understand the relationship between work credits and remote work, you must first know what work credits are and how they impact SSDI benefits.
Work credits are units the SSA uses to determine if you have worked long enough to be entitled to benefits.
The number of credits you need to qualify changes every year. Typically, you need at least 40 credits, 20 of which you have earned in the past 10 years. However, that requirement changes for younger workers.
How do you obtain work credits? By paying Social Security taxes through your jobs.
Does remote work affect SSDI work credits?
If you’ve worked remotely for an extended period before filing for disability, you might wonder if you collected enough work credits for SSDI during that time.
You earn work credits that count towards disability benefits when your job is covered by Social Security.
Therefore, whether you work remotely, hybrid, or at any location, you have collected work credits as long as your job pays Social Security taxes.
Remote Work And Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
One aspect remote workers must carefully assess is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
What is SGA?
The SSA uses this term to determine the level of work and earnings considered substantial.
SGA is a crucial factor to qualify for disability benefits.
If you can still engage in a substantial gainful activity, you are not eligible for SSDI.
Now, how does this affect remote workers?
The SSA will conduct an SGA assessment to calculate work limitations and determine whether you can still perform your job (or a new one).
If you work remotely, you must submit strong and relevant medical evidence that proves you can no longer engage in a substantial gainful activity. That includes work that you can do entirely from your home.
Can You Receive SSDI and Still Work Remotely?
To qualify for SSDI, your disability must stop you from working.
However, there are some exceptions, such as for part-time workers.
To work part-time and still collect disability benefits, you must ensure your salary doesn’t surpass the income limit.
As of 2025, the earning limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
Key Considerations for Remote Workers and Social Security Disability
Here are the key considerations remote workers should contemplate when filing for SSDI benefits:
- SSDI beneficiaries have a Trial Work Period (TWP) to test their work capabilities without losing benefits. The TWP lasts nine months in a 60-month rolling period, and earnings during this time do not affect SSDI benefits.
- The SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to assess whether a beneficiary qualifies as disabled. Remote work might prompt a CDR, suggesting improvement in the beneficiary’s condition. However, remote work alone doesn’t mean benefits will be lost if the medical criteria for disability are still met.
- Working remotely can impact SSDI benefits if earnings surpass the SGA threshold. Beneficiaries must closely monitor their income to avoid exceeding the allowed limit.
As a remote worker, you might consider hiring legal assistance to help you determine the best strategy to win and keep Social Security disability benefits.
4 Tips for Claimants Working Remotely
Finally, we wanted to give you 4 extra tips to smooth your path towards disability benefits:
- Keep Earnings Records: Keep detailed records of all income and work activities. This will be useful in the event of a CDR or any inquiries from the SSA.
- Maintain Communication with The SSA: Notify the SSA of any work status or earnings changes. Being transparent is essential to prevent misunderstandings and possible penalties.
- Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules related to SGA, TWP, and income limits for SSDI. This understanding will aid in making informed decisions about your disability benefits case.
- Seek Professional Advice: An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate the complex world of remote work and SSDI.
Getting SSDI Benefits As A Remote Worker
As a remote worker, you must focus on providing relevant and strong medical evidence supporting your condition.
That will demonstrate to the SSA that, despite having the chance to work from home, your impairment is severe enough to prevent you from performing work-related activities.
To further enhance your claim, we recommend seeking advice from a disability lawyer. They’ll use their knowledge and experience to build a flawless case and win you disability benefits.
