What Does Social Security Consider an Unsuccessful Work Attempt?

An Unsuccessful Work Attempt has a particular meaning in the Social Security world. For SSDI and SSI, it is lingo for when you are receiving benefits and you attempt to go back to work. However, you are unable to sustain that level of employment.

An unsuccessful work attempt can last up to six months, but no longer. It also typically ends when either:

The individual stops working entirely or
An individual reduces their work to an amount lower than substantial gainful activity (SGA).

This can be the result of medical conditions. It can also be due to the removal of special considerations that enabled the disabled individual to work.

The full legal definition is available on the Social Security website at https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411010145

When Can you Claim an Unsuccessful Work Attempt?

An unsuccessful work attempt can happen during any level of Social Security Disability claims. The includes during an extended period of eligibility for the trial work period.

However, the rules are different for Supplemental Security Income. For SSI an unsuccessful work attempts are only considered during the initial filing of a disability claim.

Calling a period of work as an “unsuccessful work attempt” may benefit you. It could remove what would otherwise be a disqualification for benefits for a certain time.

Help Proving Your Unsuccessful Work Attempt

Denied SSDI or SSI benefits due to work? Qualifying that work as an Unsuccessful Work Attempt may benefit you. An experienced Jacksonville Social Security Attorney can argue on your behalf. They can argue that your work qualified as an UWA at a hearing.

Contact our office for a free consultation at 904-777-7777 or use our simple online contact form. We will contact you to setup an appointment.