Self-employment income is the money you earn when you operate your own business. The SSA considers "self employment" to be net earnings of $400 or more in a taxable year.

Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits If You Were Self Employed?

Many people who are self employed will qualify for Social Security disability benefits. If you earned around $5,000 per year and paid Social Security taxes, you will qualify for SSDI benefits. SSDI benefits are for adults who contributed to the Social Security system throughout life. If you never paid FICA taxes, you will not qualify for SSDI.

What Can I Do If I Didn't Pay FICA?

If you didn't pay Social Security disability taxes on your self-employment income, you might still qualify for disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income, or SSI benefits, were created for low-income families with disabilities. If you have less than $2,000 in saved income or assets ($3,000 if you're married), you may be eligible for SSI.

Still Working?

If you are still earning self-employment income, you may not be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, regardless of your disability. The SSA considers anyone earning more than $1,620 in 2025 to be earning a "gainful living." If you're still making this monthly from your business, you will not qualify for Social Security disability.

Any less and it is possible to qualify for disability benefits.

Get Legal Assistance Today

If you need help with your Social Security disability claim, or would just like to learn more about how self-employment income will affect your claim, speak with a Social Security disability attorney or advocate today. You can connect with someone in your area by filling out our Free Disability Evaluation.