Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long and stressful process. Even if you qualify, it may take months or even years to get approved. In the meantime, you still have bills to pay, medications to buy, and basic needs to cover. So, what can you do for income while waiting for disability?
This guide outlines several practical strategies and financial resources that may help you stay afloat during the wait. While not every solution will work for everyone, knowing your options can help you better plan for the road ahead.
Understanding the Wait: Why It Takes So Long
Before we look at income options, it’s important to understand why the disability process takes time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically takes 3 to 6 months just to make an initial decision on your claim. If you’re denied and need to appeal, the wait for a hearing can stretch up to a year or more, depending on your state and case backlog.
This waiting period can feel overwhelming. But planning ahead and tapping into the right resources may ease the financial burden.
1. Check If You Qualify for Other Government Assistance
While you’re waiting for your disability benefits, you may be eligible for other government programs. These can help cover essential costs like food, housing, and healthcare.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides short-term financial help for families with children. If you have dependents and a low income, you may be eligible for cash assistance, job training, or child care support.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP offers monthly funds to help you buy groceries. You can apply through your state’s Department of Human Services website.
Medicaid
If your income is limited, Medicaid may help cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more. Many states allow people with pending disability claims to qualify based on income alone.
Housing Assistance
Programs like Section 8 or public housing assistance can reduce your monthly rent while you’re not working. Local nonprofits and churches may also offer short-term housing support.
2. Explore Short-Term or Part-Time Work Options
Many people ask if they can work while waiting for disability. The answer is yes—but with limits. The SSA allows applicants to earn income up to a certain amount while their case is pending.
This amount, called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), changes yearly. For 2025, SGA for non-blind individuals is $1,550 per month. If you earn less than that, it likely won’t hurt your claim. However, always speak with a disability attorney before starting any job, just to be safe.
Look for low-stress, flexible jobs that don’t worsen your condition, such as:
- Freelance writing or graphic design
- Customer service (remote or part-time)
- Selling items online
- Tutoring or virtual assistant work
Keep detailed records of any work and income during this time, as SSA may request documentation.
3. Use Community Resources and Nonprofit Aid
In addition to federal and state programs, many local nonprofits, religious groups, and community organizations offer help. This may include:
- Emergency food pantries
- Utility bill assistance
- Free prescription programs
- Transportation for medical appointments
Check with your county health department, local United Way branch, or community resource center for referrals. You might also consider dialing 2-1-1, a national hotline that connects people with local assistance programs.
4. Consider Help from Family or Friends
It can feel uncomfortable to ask for help, but sometimes support from your personal network is your best option. Family or friends might be able to offer:
- Temporary housing
- Rides to doctor’s appointments
- Loans for rent or groceries
- Help with household chores
If a loved one is helping you financially, be sure to track those contributions. This can be useful documentation if the SSA later asks how you’ve supported yourself during the claim process.
5. Explore Personal Loan Options—With Caution
Some applicants turn to personal loans, credit cards, or even payday loans to stay afloat. While this can provide short-term relief, it’s a risky approach. Interest rates on these loans can be extremely high, and they may trap you in a cycle of debt, especially if your disability case drags on.
If you feel you must borrow money, try to:
- Work with a trusted credit union
- Compare interest rates and repayment terms
- Avoid lenders who offer “no credit check” payday advances
- Always prioritize free and low-cost aid options first before considering debt.
6. Talk to a Disability Attorney
Many people wait until their claim is denied before seeking legal help. But a disability attorney can make a big difference right from the start. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can:
- Help you avoid errors in your initial application
- Speed up the review process with proper medical documentation
- Increase your chances of being approved at the first level
- Represent you during hearings or appeals if needed
And here’s the good news: you don’t pay anything up front. Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The SSA sets its fee (usually 25% of your backpay, up to a set limit), so there are no surprise costs.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for disability benefits can be one of the most financially and emotionally challenging times in a person’s life. But you’re not alone—and you do have options. Whether it’s short-term work, government programs, or help from your community, there are ways to stay afloat while your case is being reviewed.
Planning ahead, staying organized, and knowing where to turn can make this difficult chapter more manageable. Most importantly, working with a trusted disability attorney can help you move through the process faster and with greater peace of mind.
Let Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates Help You Navigate the Process
At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we understand how hard it is to live without income while waiting for disability. Our team is here to help guide you through every step, from filing your initial claim to handling appeals. With decades of experience and a compassionate, client-first approach, we fight for the benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on your path to financial stability.
