Should You Quit Your Job Before Filing for Social Security Disability?

One of the most frequent questions we hear at the Law Offices of Christopher Le is: “Should I quit my job before applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits?” It’s a critical decision—and one that can significantly affect both your eligibility and the likelihood of your claim being approved.

Here’s what you need to consider before making that choice.

Understanding SSD Eligibility

To qualify for SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that you have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

In 2025, SGA is defined as:

• Earning more than $1,550/month for non-blind individuals
• Earning more than $2,590/month for blind individuals

If you’re working and your income exceeds these limits, the SSA may determine that you’re not disabled—regardless of your health condition.

Should You Leave Your Job Before Applying?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether or not you should quit depends on your specific circumstances. Here are the key factors to weigh:

1. Earnings and Impact on Your Claim

If you’re earning above the SGA threshold, it may harm your SSD claim. The SSA could view your ability to work as proof that you are not truly disabled. However, if you’re working part-time or earning below the threshold, you may still qualify—especially if your condition significantly limits your ability to function.

Tip: Carefully document how your condition affects your work performance, even if you’re earning below the SGA level.

2. Financial Stability

Leaving your job might help your claim by avoiding SGA issues—but it could create a financial burden while you wait for a decision. SSD claims can take months, sometimes years, especially if appeals are involved. Be sure to evaluate:

• Alternative income sources
• Short-term disability benefits
• Savings or family support

3. Medical Evidence and Timing

Strong medical documentation is essential. If you leave your job without clear evidence that your condition prevents you from working, the SSA may doubt the basis for your claim. On the other hand, staying employed while struggling could provide useful proof—such as documentation of reduced hours, performance issues, or accommodations at work.

4. Legal Advice is Crucial

Before making any decision, speak with an experienced SSD attorney. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we assess your full situation—your medical condition, job role, and financial picture—to recommend the most strategic approach. In many cases, continuing to work with limitations or transitioning to part-time can strengthen your claim more than quitting outright.

Practical Steps Before Filing

To give your claim the best chance of approval:

• Keep a Medical Record: Log symptoms, treatment details, and how your condition affects your job. Include notes from doctors, test results, and comments from supervisors or coworkers.
• Ask for Workplace Accommodations: Try adjusting your workload or hours. If accommodations don’t help, this supports your case that you can’t work.
• File as Soon as Possible: Don’t wait to start your application. The earlier you file, the sooner your disability onset date is established—which impacts how much and when you can receive benefits.
• Get Professional Help: An experienced disability lawyer can guide you through the process, help gather the right evidence, and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to quit your job before applying for Social Security Disability is a major decision—and a personal one. It depends on your health, finances, and how well your case is documented. At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we’re here to help you navigate the SSD process with clarity and confidence.

Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll help you determine the smartest strategy for your situation and work to secure the benefits you need and deserve.