What should you do if a claimant admits to working while waiting for a disability hearing?

When a claimant admits to working while awaiting a disability hearing, it is crucial to assess the implications of this admission on their claim. The correct approach, which is to assist the claimant in withdrawing the claim, stems from the understanding of the disability benefits regulations.

In many cases, working while applying for disability benefits can jeopardize the claimant's eligibility, as it may indicate that they are not as disabled as initially claimed. Instead of moving forward with the claim, which could lead to potential issues or even fraud allegations, ensuring that the claimant fully understands their situation and the consequences of their admission is ethical and responsible.

Assisting the claimant in withdrawing the claim allows them to reevaluate their circumstances and pursue their options in a way that does not put them at risk. This proactive strategy helps to safeguard their interests and aligns with the principle of providing accurate and responsible guidance to claimants.