22 Jul Can I Get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits if I Am Self-Employed?

July 22, 2025 ~ Are you self-employed and wondering, “Can I Get Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits if I Am Self-Employed?” Learn how disability insurance benefits work for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.

Am I Considered Self-Employed?

If you own part or all of a business that is not a corporation, or if you are in business for yourself in any capacity, then yes—you are self-employed!

Self-employment includes a wide range of work, such as:

• Owning a small shop
• Freelance writing
• Working as a contracted nurse
• Selling art
• Running a YouTube channel or other content creation business

If I'm Self-Employed, Can I Get SSDI Benefits?

Maybe. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet two key requirements:

1. You must have paid into the Social Security system.
   • If you work for an employer, this usually happens through payroll taxes (FICA).
   • If you are self-employed, you need to pay self-employment taxes (SECA) to contribute to the Social Security system. If you’ve paid these taxes, then you meet this requirement.
2. You must have a long-term disability that prevents you from working.

Can I Apply for SSDI If I’m Still Working?

Yes—you can receive SSDI benefits if your work activity is under the level of “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA).

SGA is a monthly income limit used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if you’re considered “working.” If your earnings are under this amount, you may still qualify.

For self-employed individuals, SGA is more complex. SSA will consider:

1. Your work activity — nature of the business, hours worked, and duties.
2. The value of your services — even if your business isn’t profitable.
3. Whether your work shows you could earn a substantial income.

The SSA asks not just if you're earning money, but if you’re performing “significant services” and earning “substantial income.”

What Does “Performing Significant Services” Mean?

If your role is critical to your business, the SSA may consider it significant—even if the business doesn’t generate much money.

You are likely performing “significant services” if:

• You work 45 hours or more per month, or
• You perform more than half of the work needed to run the business.

What Does “Earning Substantial Income” Mean?

You are earning substantial income when your countable income exceeds the SGA limit. To calculate countable income, subtract:

1. The reasonable value of unpaid help from family members
2. Impairment-related work expenses
3. Unincurred business expenses – costs paid by someone else (e.g., rent, utilities, equipment)

Can I Work at My Business While Waiting for SSDI Approval?

Maybe. If you're applying for SSDI and still working a little, the SSA may consider this an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA)—which won't hurt your eligibility.

What Is an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA)?

An UWA happens when there’s a significant break in the continuity of work. This occurs if:

• You stop or reduce work below the SGA level due to your impairment
• You stop or reduce work below the SGA level before your alleged disability onset date (for unrelated reasons like a layoff)
• You’ve never worked before the attempt

A work attempt is “discontinued” if:

• You stop working for at least 30 consecutive days, or
• You switch to a new type of work due to your impairment

Note: UWAs must last less than 6 months. There is no limit on how many UWAs you can have.

Helpful Tips for Self-Employed SSDI Applicants

If you're self-employed and applying for SSDI:

• Keep detailed records of your income, expenses, and taxes
• Track hours worked and roles you perform in your business
• Save receipts for impairment-related expenses
• Maintain proof of any help or outside funding for your business

Where Can I Learn More?

To learn more about SSDI and how it applies to people with cancer or chronic illness, visit our Cancer & Disability Insurance Resources & Materials.

About Triage Cancer

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