What Can I Do While I’m Waiting for My SSDI Approval?
Applying for Social Security disability (SSDI) can be a lot of work. Then, you send off your application, and…wait. But there are things you can do while you wait for a decision on your SSDI application. They fall generally into two categories: continuing to protect your SSDI claim and getting by until your benefits start.
Protecting Your SSDI Claim in Progress
You may think your work is done when your application is submitted, but that isn’t necessarily true. After you apply for SSDI, you should:
Continue regular treatment and medication for the condition or conditions that prevent you from working.
If your claim is denied, you will likely need these additional records for your appeal. But even if your SSDI application is approved, your disability will likely be subject to review in the future. It’s important that you continue to follow medical advice and to document the progress of your condition or conditions.
Keep the Social Security Administration (SSA) up to date if you move or other basic information changes.
If the SSA reaches out to you while processing your claim and can’t reach you, your claim could be denied. If you move or change your phone number after submitting your SSDI application, make sure you update the SSA right away.
Comply with any requests from the SSA after you submit your application.
During the SSDI consideration process, the SSA may ask you for additional medical information, or may schedule one or more appointments for assessment by SSA-selected medical professionals. If you fail to respond within the allowed time, the SSA will make a determination without the additional information. That usually means a denial, since they believed they needed more information to make a decision in your favor.
The bottom line is that you can’t afford to think of the process as over when you send off your SSDI application. There may still be work to do. The SSA may ask you to do more before they make a decision. And many SSDI claims are initially denied. So, you may need to be prepared to file a request for reconsideration, and perhaps even to go to a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
Getting By Before Your SSDI Benefits Come Through
If you’ve applied for Social Security disability benefits, that means you have a medical condition (or a combination of medical conditions) that make it difficult for you to earn a living. For many people, that makes the time between becoming disabled and receiving SSDI benefits challenging. While there’s no one-size-fits-all fix for that gap in income, there are some things you may be able to do to tide you over until you start getting benefits.
Look for temporary forms of assistance through your state, non-profit organizations or other sources.
If you have little or no income due to your disability, you may qualify for other types of benefits.
Some examples include:
- Private or employer-based disability insurance
- Workers’ compensation, if your disability was caused by an on-the-job injury or occupational illness
- SNAP benefits to help cover the cost of food
- Food pantries
- Medicaid to ensure that you have access to medical care while your case is pending
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for rental assistance or subsidized housing, utility assistance and other benefits. Some areas also have free or very low-cost transportation for elderly and disabled residents.
Finding these resources can feel overwhelming. One good starting point in most areas is to dial 211. 211 lines are maintained by the United Way, and are staffed by people who can help you find resources and contact information for a wide variety of assistance in your area.
Look into whether you may qualify for SSI benefits.
The disability standard for SSI is very similar to SSDI, and you’ll still have to go through the application process. That means SSI isn’t an immediate solution and may not come through any sooner than SSDI. But, some people who don’t qualify for SSDI (for example, due to insufficient work credits) can still get SSI. And, SSI doesn’t have a five-month waiting period like SSDI. So, in some situations, you could receive SSI months before SSDI, or even receive SSI if your SSDI claim is denied.
Work a little, if you’re able.
Some people who apply for SSDI can’t work at all. But for others, the problem is simply that they can’t work enough hours or consistently enough to earn a living. The SSA’s standard for disability isn’t a complete inability to do any work for pay. Instead, it’s an inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” In 2026, the cut-off is $1,690/month ($2,830/month if you’re blind). So, if you’re able to work part-time or sporadically, you can go ahead and earn a little income without disqualifying yourself from benefits.
*Note that the cap on earnings without affecting benefits is lower once you are receiving benefits.
Draw on other resources cautiously.
In a crunch, some people awaiting benefits choose to take withdrawals from retirement accounts or take money out of home equity lines of credit. That should be a last resort, as it virtually always costs more than the amount of money you take out and can weaken your future stability. If you must rely on these resources, do some hard math and make sure you’re protecting your future as well as your present. For example, if you take a loan against your home, you may consider paying it off with the back pay you receive when your SSDI benefits start.
Know When You Need an Experienced SSDI Advocate
A knowledgeable disability benefits advocate can be your best resource, no matter where you are in the process. At Disability Help Group, we assist with SSDI applications, requests for reconsideration and appeals. Whether you’re just preparing to file your application or you have been denied and want to fight for your SSDI benefits, we’re here for you. Call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an SSDI decision?
Most initial decisions take three to five months, though it varies by state and how backed up your local office is. If you end up appealing, add several more months for reconsideration and potentially a year or more if you need a hearing before an ALJ.
Can I apply for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes. This is called a concurrent claim. If you’re not sure whether you’ll qualify for SSDI based on your work credits, applying for both at once means you won’t lose time if it turns out you only qualify for SSI.
Will working part-time hurt my SSDI application?
Not automatically. The SSA looks at whether your earnings cross the substantial gainful activity threshold. Earning below that while your application is pending generally won’t disqualify you, but keep records of your hours and pay in case the SSA asks questions about it.
What happens if the SSA can’t reach me during the review?
Your claim can be denied. The SSA sends letters and sometimes calls to request documents or schedule medical exams. If you’ve moved or changed your number, update your information immediately, and check your mail regularly during the waiting period.
Can I get retroactive back pay for the time I spent waiting?
Often, yes. SSDI back pay typically covers the period from your established disability onset date (minus the five-month waiting period) up to your approval. This is one reason some people use loans or savings to get through the wait, planning to pay them back once benefits arrive.
