From your post, I am guessing that you were/are receiving SSDI benefits.

I personally think that everyone should try to earn as much as they possibly can under their particular conditions and circumstances.

To limit oneself to stay "under" the monetary amounts for the sole purpose of keeping benefits is not the intent of the disability program and only harms oneself. If someone is capable of more hours and more income, it would be better for them to earn a living than be limited to SSDI benefits.

The question by the original poster is regarding attempts to work BEFORE being awarded benefits, while still in the application and appeal process.

Either way, someone capable of working, should give it their best effort to be self sufficient. It is when that is not an option, SSDI benefits are for those unable to work at the SGA level.