- Author: Denis Clifford
- Dec 19, 2025
Waiting for a decision on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can be one of the most financially and emotionally difficult stages of the process. With no benefits arriving during the required five-month waiting period, many applicants find themselves scrambling to cover essentials.
To ease the strain, it’s important to focus on sustaining your core needs like housing, food, and medical care while also preserving your physical and mental health. Reducing debt, researching local and federal assistance programs, and consulting a disability attorney can also help provide stability during this uncertain time.
Create A Strict Budget And Explore Financial Assistance Programs
To ease the financial burden while you wait for approval, your first step should be tightening your budget. Reduce non-essential spending and focus only on necessities and put a plan in place to cover living expenses, utility bills, housing, and groceries.
If you have emergency savings, now is the time to rely on them carefully. But don’t stop there. You should explore assistance programs at the local, state, and federal level. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- State disability benefits (where available)
- Medicaid for medical coverage
- Housing assistance through HUD
- Non-profit organizations and community resources offering temporary relief
These programs can help bridge the gap during the SSDI waiting period, or through the appeal process if your SSDI application is denied the first time, helping you stay financially stable and avoid spiraling into financial hardship.
Learn More: Which Pays More, SSI or SSDI?
Continue With all Medical Treatments and Document Everything
The Social Security Administration (SSA) relies heavily on medical evidence to determine eligibility for disability benefits. It’s critical that you maintain regular medical care and continue seeing your doctors, specialists, and therapists as scheduled. Even if money is tight, skipping treatments can weaken your application.
Ask about sliding-scale clinics, prescription discount programs, or community health centers if cost is a barrier. And always keep detailed records, including appointment summaries, prescriptions, test results, and doctor’s notes, which will aid your disability lawyer in their journey with you. These will become key parts of your claim, especially if you're pursuing back pay or retroactive benefits.
Emotional Support From Friends, Family, or Support Groups
Let’s be honest, the SSDI process can take a toll on your mental health. The uncertainty, the financial pressure, the limitations of your condition it’s all a lot. Therefore, seeking emotional support is just as important as financial and medical steps.
Reach out to trusted friends or family who can lend a listening ear or help with daily tasks. Or consider joining a disability support group, either locally or online. Professional counseling or mental health therapy may also be beneficial.
This support system of aligning yourself with those capable of offering emotional support can help you manage stress, stay grounded, and feel less isolated while awaiting a decision on your claim.
Understand The Rules To Work Part-Time Without Exceeding SGA Limits
While it may not be possible, many applicants wonder if they can earn something while working full-time. The answer is yes, but proceed with caution. This is where you likely need to seek professional guidance, to be safe with this decision.
Still, you may be allowed to do part-time work, as long as you stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit set by the SSA. In 2025, that threshold is $1,620 per month for non-blind applicants (though this figure is subject to change yearly). Going over the limit could cause delays or result in a denial.
To be safe, consult a disability lawyer about how much you can earn without affecting your eligibility. They can help you avoid unnecessary delays and make sure your efforts don’t conflict with SSA rules.
Stay in Regular Communication for Case Updates
Keeping your case on track during the approval process means staying on top of deadlines and updates. Work closely with your disability lawyer, if you have one, to ensure all documents are submitted properly and promptly. Missing paperwork can lead to avoidable delays.
If you're handling the case yourself, regularly contact the Social Security Administration to check on the status. This helps you stay organized, correct any errors, and know what to expect. Keeping in touch also shows that you’re engaged in your claim, which may help in the appeals process or during any reconsideration stages.
Ready To Start Your Disability Claim? Contact a Disability Lawyer!
If you’re just starting the SSDI application process, or if you’re stuck in the five-month waiting period, don’t go it alone. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you navigate the process, connect with resources, and improve your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SSDI Waiting Period
How can I survive financially while waiting for SSD benefits?
Build a strict budget, reduce unnecessary expenses, and look into public assistance options like SSI, state disability benefits, and non-profit programs that provide help with rent, utility bills, or groceries. Any path to proper debt management can also be beneficial.
Will working part-time hurt my SSD claim?
As long as your income stays below SGA limits, part-time work is allowed. However, consult a disability lawyer to avoid complications that might delay or hurt your claim. You’ll likely want to make sure you know the difference between SSDI and SSI, which your attorney can help with.
Are there specific programs to help with rent or utilities during this period?
Yes. Consider applying for housing assistance, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or support from local community resources and non-profit organizations.
What if I cannot afford my medication?
You may qualify for Medicaid, sliding-scale clinics, or discount programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Keeping up with treatment is vital, even during financial hardship.
How can maintaining medical treatments strengthen my claim?
Regular treatment shows the SSA that your condition is serious, ongoing, and well-documented. It also builds the medical evidence needed to prove your disability and help you receive retroactive benefits.
Why is budgeting essential for SSD claimants?
Because the SSDI process often involves months of waiting without income, a solid budgeting strategy helps manage your life, cover essentials, and avoid unnecessary delays due to unpaid bills or missing appointments.