If you have worked at the SGA level at any time since the alleged onset date of your Social Security disability claim, it can be problematic for your claim. You must have a 12 month period of disability (or a condition which is expected to result in death) to qualify for Social Security disability. That means means 12 months or longer with no work at the SGA level.

However, if your work after onset lasted for six months or less and ended due to your impairments, then it may qualify as an unsuccessful work attempt, and not be held against you. A work effort under three months is easier to explain away. The criteria for an unsuccessful work attempt (UWA) are found in 20 C.F.R. 404.1574(c) and Social Security Ruling 05-02.