Lauren Brizzi
July 14, 2024
One of the first forms an applicant receives during the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process is the Work Activity Report (WAR), also known as SSA-821. While most questionnaires applicants receive are sent by the disability examiner to learn how their condition(s) affect daily life, the Work Activity Report comes directly from the Social Security Administration (SSA), usually before the claim is transferred to the state disability office. The SSA sends this form when earnings appear on an applicant’s record after the date they say their disability began, including non-work income such as sick pay, vacation pay, or short-term disability benefits.
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, an applicant must have been, or expect to be, unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least one calendar year. In 2026, earnings of up to $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals, and up to $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals, are not considered substantial gainful activity. Work activity, however, may still be considered substantial even if earnings are below these thresholds, depending on how much work is done. The Social Security Administration considers any level of work activity when deciding whether an applicant is disabled.
Applicants who have not worked since filing for SSDI may still receive the Work Activity Report, which they must complete and return. If any amount of income shows up on an applicant’s Social Security earnings record, including income received that is not as a result of physical work such as sick pay, vacation pay, or Short-Term Disability, SSA will issue a Work Activity Report. This questionnaire provides the applicant with an opportunity to explain these earnings and provide documentation, such as pay stubs, that confirm those earnings were not from work.
As with any other questionnaires received, it is very important that the Work Activity Report is returned to Social Security as soon as possible. However, unlike other questionnaires, if you do not return the Work Activity Report, Social Security may deny the claim on a technicality without reviewing medical evidence. If that happens, you may need to file an entirely new application and start the process over. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Nothing in this post is intended as advice or a suggestion to elect or not elect to claim benefits of any kind, including Social Security benefits, nor is it intended as financial advice in any way. The decision to claim benefits is a personal one that is contingent upon each individual’s unique circumstances.
After a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is filed, it will be assigned to a disability examiner who will request medical records and collect additional evidence needed to make a decision. To help get a better picture of how disabling condition(s) may impact applicants, the examiner may send out questionnaires to be completed. One such questionnaire
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Once a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim has been filed and forwarded to the disability office for review, it is typical for applicants to receive questionnaires to complete. The most common questionnaire issued to applicants during the SSDI process is the Function Report, also known as the Activities of Daily Living.
Read MoreAt Advocator Advantage, a Brown & Brown Company, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program.
At Advocator Advantage, we understand that navigating SSDI, Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have along your journey.
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