What Are the Negatives of Getting Social Security Disability?

If you’re worried about the negatives of getting Social Security Disability, you are likely already dealing with a serious health issue, injury, or condition that keeps you from working. You may need benefits, but still wonder what approval could mean for your income, medical coverage, work options, or future.

While receiving Social Security Disability benefits can provide important financial support, the application and approval process come with challenges that applicants should understand before filing a claim. Despite the drawbacks, many individuals find approval a positive development in their lives.

What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a program that provides monthly payments to people with disabilities. To qualify, an individual must have a medical condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity, and that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, along with enough work history to be eligible for benefits.

There are two Social Security disability programs. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. This is for individuals with a disability who have earned enough work history to receive benefits. The other program is Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. This is for those with limited income and resources. This article will focus on SSDI, but some of the negatives discussed may also relate to SSI.

8 Negatives of Getting Social Security Disability

The challenges covered below include waiting periods, processing delays, the risk of denial, income limits, reporting requirements, benefit reviews, tax implications, and the impact of other benefits on your payments.

1. The Application Process Can Take a Long Time

One of the most common drawbacks of applying for Social Security Disability benefits is that the application process can take several months. Many individuals apply for disability because they do not have any income otherwise, and they will soon be unable to pay for their expenses. The appeals process also takes a long time, should an individual be denied their initial disability claim.

2. There Is a 5-Month Waiting Period Before Payments Begin

Even after being approved for SSDI, benefits do not begin immediately. The Social Security Administration imposes a mandatory 5-month waiting period from the established onset date of your disability before payments start. This means that even applicants who are approved without delay will not receive their first payment until the sixth month of their disability.

For many individuals who are already without income, this waiting period adds financial pressure on top of an already difficult situation. It is worth factoring this into your planning before you apply, and an attorney can help you understand how your onset date may be established and what it means for when your payments will begin.

3. Many Initial Claims Are Denied

Another downside of applying for Social Security Disability benefits is that many initial applications are denied. These denials can occur for a variety of reasons, such as missing records needed to support the claim. There can also be a denial if the individual was unable to present strong evidence of the impact their disability has on their ability to work.

4. Disability Benefits May Be Less Than Your Paycheck

Some view disability benefits negatively because they are less than what an individual would typically receive from their paycheck while employed. Because the benefits are based on an individual’s income before their disability, they are likely to be significantly less than their former paycheck.

5. There Are Rules About Working While on Disability

Many who are interested in receiving Social Security Disability benefits feel that approval will prevent them from ever working again. While this is not entirely true, there are strict rules regarding working while receiving disability benefits.

For 2026, any month in which an individual earns above $1,210 is counted towards the individual’s 9-month trial work period. Afterward, there is a 36-month period during which an individual may continue receiving Social Security Disability benefits if their income remains below a certain limit: $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals or $2,830 per month for those receiving disability due to blindness.

Going over this limit during the 36-month period may result in a loss of disability benefits for those months. (Source: Social Security Administration) Note: These figures are periodically adjusted by the SSA. Confirm current thresholds at ssa.gov before relying on them.

6. You Must Report Changes

After being approved for Social Security Disability benefits, there are additional responsibilities associated with receiving those benefits. One is that you must report any changes in your work status, income, personal information, or disability to the Social Security Administration.

You may need to report things like:

• Starting or stopping work
• Changes in earnings
• Changes in medical condition
• Address or direct deposit changes
• Other personal information that affects payments

If you do not report changes in these categories, you may encounter issues with your disability benefits, and the Social Security Administration may take certain actions based on these changes.

7. Social Security Can Review Your Case Later

Another issue that is typically considered a drawback of receiving Social Security Disability benefits is that the Social Security Administration may review your case in the future. This process is called a Continuing Disability Review.

During these reviews, the Social Security Administration may contact you to ask you questions about your disability, your treatment for your disability, and you may be asked to provide medical records that support your disability. In addition to these questions, your case may be sent to Disability Determination Services, an examiner may request additional forms, or you may be asked to attend an in-person medical examination.

8. Your Benefits May Be Taxed or Affected by Other Benefits

A potential issue with receiving Social Security Disability benefits is that those benefits may be subject to taxes. The IRS typically taxes Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivor benefits, and disability benefits. The taxable portion depends on your total income and benefits for the year.

Additionally, if you receive workers’ compensation benefits, those payments can reduce your SSDI benefit through what is known as the workers’ compensation offset. This is an important consideration for anyone with an open workers’ compensation claim when applying for SSDI.

The Biggest Misconception About SSDI

One of the most common misconceptions is that receiving SSDI means you can never work again. In reality, the Social Security Administration provides several work incentive programs that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to return to work without immediately losing benefits. Understanding these rules can help individuals make informed decisions about employment while receiving disability benefits.

What About Medicare? Is There a Downside?

If you qualify for Social Security Disability, you will likely also qualify for Medicare. However, there is a waiting period for these benefits. After a 24-month waiting period tied to your SSDI entitlement date, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. The exception to this rule is people who are diagnosed with ESRD or ALS. (Source: Social Security Administration)

This 2-year waiting period can be a downside to individuals who require medical treatment for their disability but have no means of obtaining medical coverage during this period. During this waiting period, an individual may qualify for Medicaid or another coverage plan.

Ohio residents receiving SSDI who are waiting for Medicare may be able to enroll in Ohio Medicaid through the Ohio Department of Medicaid, which provides health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities during the gap period. Eligibility is based on income and household size, and an attorney or caseworker can help you determine whether you may be covered.

When the Negatives Are Still Worth It

If you are unable to work due to a disability, the ability to receive monthly income payments, access Medicare in the future, and have some financial stability during this difficult time is likely to outweigh the drawbacks of pursuing benefits.

In determining whether obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is worthwhile for your situation, consider the following factors:

• Your disability will last for at least 12 months or will result in your death
• You are unable to work due to your disability
• Your doctors support your disability claim
• You have a sufficient work history to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits
• You need income due to your disability

These factors, combined with the advantages of receiving Social Security Disability benefits, support the argument that pursuing and obtaining disability benefits is worthwhile.

How to Protect Yourself Before Applying for Disability

There are several things you can do ahead of time to protect yourself before you apply for disability benefits. The first is to gather all the records for your disability. Benefits will be decided based on the records of your disability and the strength of your claim.

Before you apply, try to gather:

• Names and contact information for your doctors
• Medical records, test results and imaging reports
• A full medication list
• Details about hospital stays, surgeries or therapy
• A list of past jobs and job duties
• Notes about how your condition affects daily tasks

In addition to gathering these records, you should continue to attend any medical appointments for your disability. These appointments are vital for supporting your disability claim and ensuring that your benefits are approved.

When to Talk to a Disability Lawyer

You do not have to wait until you receive your denial letter to speak with a disability lawyer. A disability lawyer can help you to determine whether you are ready to submit your application for disability benefits and what documentation you will need to prove your disability claim to the Social Security Administration.

You should talk to a disability lawyer if you have any of the following conditions:

• You have received a denial of your disability application
• Your disability is difficult to prove with medical records
• You have more than one disability
• You are not sure whether SSDI, SSI, or both may apply to your disability
• You are receiving other benefits, such as workers’ compensation

If you are in any of these situations, a Social Security disability lawyer may be able to help you strengthen your disability benefits claim and ensure that your doctor, your legal team, and the Social Security Administration are all made aware of the conditions that support your disability claim.

Need Support? Talk to Wendy Lee Law

Many people delay applying for disability because they are concerned about denials, income limits, medical reviews, or how benefits may affect their future. Every case is different, and understanding your options early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

I am an experienced Social Security disability attorney dedicated to representing my clients with professionalism and care. Whether you are filing for the first time or have already received a denial, I am ready to help. Contact Wendy Lee Law to discuss your situation and learn about your options.

FAQs About the Negatives of Getting Social Security Disability

What are the biggest negatives of getting Social Security Disability?

Some of the biggest negatives for those approved for Social Security Disability benefits include the length of time it takes to be approved, the mandatory 5-month waiting period before payments begin, the possibility of being denied benefits initially, the income level provided to individuals with disabilities, the rules about working while receiving benefits, the requirements to report changes, the possibility of a later review by the Social Security Administration, and the potential for tax issues related to those benefits.

Is getting Social Security Disability worth it?

For most people who receive Social Security Disability benefits, it is worth it. The financial support provided to individuals with disabilities will typically outweigh the challenges of obtaining those benefits.

Can I work while getting Social Security Disability?

Receiving Social Security Disability benefits does not mean you can never work. The eligibility standard is the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity, and the SSA provides several work incentive programs that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to return to work.

For 2026, any income that an individual earns that is above $1,210 is included in a 9-month trial work period for disabilities. After this 9-month period, you may still qualify for benefits for 36 months.
In 2026, recipients can earn between $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for individuals receiving disability benefits for blindness. If an individual exceeds these limits, they may not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits for that portion of the year. Note: These figures are periodically adjusted by the SSA. Confirm current thresholds at ssa.gov before relying on them.

Will Social Security Disability affect my taxes?

Social Security Disability benefits can impact your taxes. The IRS makes clear that Social Security disability benefits (along with retirement and survivor benefits) may be taxable depending upon your income and benefits for the year. Additionally, income from Social Security Disability benefits may also interact with other income and benefits you earn or receive, such as workers’ compensation benefits.

Can Social Security take away disability benefits?

Yes, there are scenarios in which your disability benefits may be terminated. For example, if during a review of your benefits, the Social Security Administration finds that you no longer meet the eligibility criteria due to a change in your condition, your benefits may be taken away. Additionally, if you begin working beyond the limits of your benefits, Social Security may take away your benefits.