You can always file for social security disability, what’s more important is will your application be approved. This question cannot be answered without looking at the specific facts of your case. A lot depends on what type of work you are doing, how many hours you are working, how much are you earning, etc. Let’s say you are working as a part-time mover. You then file for social security disability because you say you cannot work a desk job. In this case working a part time job will definitely be a problem in applying for social security benefits. The social security administration will probably feel that if you can work as a mover, than you can work a full-time desk job.
If you are working at the same type of job you have worked in the past than the social security administration will want to know why you can work part-time, but not full-time. It may be difficult to show why you can work 20 hours per week, but not 40. You would have to show that your symptoms are exacerbated if you work more than 20 hours per week.
If you earn more than $1000 per month than the social security administration views it as substantial gainful activity. This means that your application will be denied because you are considered to be gainfully working so you do not qualify for social security disability benefits. There are exceptions, for example you don’t really work, but it’s a family business so it pays you a salary regardless. Or you have an aide to assist you while you work or there are accommodations made for your disability. You have to see if your case falls into an exception.
As you can see there are no cut and dry answers to the question. It is important to look at all aspects of the person’s disability and his/her job before answering this question.
If you need help call a New York Social Security attorney at 716-831-1111.