On This Page
- Understanding Substantially Gainful Activity
- How the SSA Calculates SGA
- Special Considerations in SGA Evaluations
- How SGA Impacts SSDI Eligibility and Appeals
- Practical Tips for Applicants Navigating SGA
- FAQs About Substantially Gainful Activity
- What Is Substantially Gainful Activity? Get Help with Your SSDI Claim
Understanding Substantially Gainful Activity
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, the Social Security Administration reviews whether you can perform Substantially Gainful Activity, or SGA. This analysis determines whether you retain the ability to support yourself through employment. An individual who earns more than a threshold level set by the SSA is generally considered to be engaging in SGA and ineligible to receive disability benefits. Understanding how SGA fits into the SSDI approval process can help you prepare your application and avoid delays.
Definition of Substantially Gainful Activity
The SSA defines SGA as work that requires significant physical or mental effort and shows the ability to maintain regular employment. It’s one of the main ways the SSA decides whether a person’s disability prevents them from earning a living. To determine whether you can perform SGA, the SSA looks at whether you earn above a certain threshold in income from work activity.
Why SGA Matters in Disability Claims
SGA is a key factor in determining SSDI eligibility. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, the SSA may find that you are not disabled under their rules, even if you have a disabling condition. Due to this, applicants should maintain detailed records showing how their medical condition limits their ability to work consistently.
How the SSA Calculates SGA
The SSA measures SGA primarily by monthly income rather than job title or hours worked. Your wages or self-employment earnings determine whether your work is considered substantial. Other factors, such as the value of your duties or accommodations received, may also influence this evaluation.
Monthly Income Limits for SGA
The SSA uses monthly income limits to determine whether you can engage in SGA. In general, when your earnings rise above these limits, the SSA typically views you as able to perform substantial work.
For 2026, the limits are $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for blind individuals for SSDI. The SGA threshold for non-blind individuals with disabilities applies to both SSDI and SSI benefits. However, there is no SGA limit for blind individuals applying for SSI.
The Role of Hours Worked vs. Income Earned
SGA is based on how much you earn, not how much you work. A part-time job with higher pay could exceed the SGA limit, while full-time work with low pay might not. The SSA focuses on whether your income reflects an ability to sustain competitive employment despite your condition, rather than simply counting work hours.
Trial Work Periods and Exceptions
SSDI recipients may test their ability to work during a trial work period, which allows them to earn income and still be considered disabled. This period can last up to nine months within a 60-month window. In 2026, any month with earnings exceeding $1,210 counts toward that limit. After the trial work period ends, the SSA reviews the income to decide whether the work qualifies as SGA.
Special Considerations in SGA Evaluations
Not all work situations are the same. The SSA recognizes that some types of employment don’t reflect a person’s ability to earn income or maintain full-time work. In these cases, certain factors can change how SGA is evaluated.
Self-Employment and SGA
For self-employed individuals, the SSA looks beyond income to assess your work’s value. It considers the time spent, responsibilities, and the cost of having someone else perform the work. If your business primarily operates through employees or automation, your activity may not be considered SGA.
Subsidized or Sheltered Work
Some jobs may provide additional support, such as family assistance or rehabilitation programs. The SSA may reduce your countable income if your earnings rely on such assistance rather than work independently.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses, or IRWEs
Disability-related expenses, such as specialized transportation, assistive devices, or service animals, can be deducted from income before determining SGA. These Impairment-Related Work Expenses, or IRWEs, may keep your earnings below the threshold.
How SGA Impacts SSDI Eligibility and Appeals
Understanding how SGA affects eligibility is essential for anyone applying for or receiving disability benefits. The SSA reviews your qualifying SSDI condition and your ability to perform SGA. If the agency determines you are engaging in SGA, it may deny your claim, and you could lose out on benefits. Knowing how this process works can help you protect your claim.
SGA as a Common Reason for SSDI Denial
Many SSDI denials result when earnings suggest the applicant can maintain regular employment. If the SSA determines your income reflects steady, gainful work, it may decide you do not meet its definition of disability, even if your condition limits your consistency or capacity.
In some cases, denials result from incomplete or inaccurate information, for example, when the SSA overlooks work-related expenses, wage subsidies, or unpaid leave that affect your true earnings.
Appealing an SGA-Based Denial
If SSA denies your claim because it believes your earnings exceed the SGA threshold, you can file an SSDI appeal and provide new evidence showing your earnings did not exceed the limit or your disability prevents steady, gainful work.
You can strengthen your appeal by submitting medical evidence and proof of IRWEs. Supporting statements from employers or coworkers can also show how your condition limits your ability to work, helping demonstrate that your employment was not substantial.
Practical Tips for Applicants Navigating SGA
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits can feel overwhelming, but staying organized helps. Tracking your income and keeping detailed medical records can make the process smoother and reduce the chance of mistakes or delays.
Keep Accurate Records of Income and Work Hours
Maintain detailed records of your work activity, including pay stubs, timesheets, and notes about any unpaid time off or reduced productivity due to your condition. These records can prove that your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
Communicate with the SSA About Work Attempts
Always accurately report your work activity and earnings to the SSA. Keeping the agency informed shows transparency and can help prevent overpayments or unexpected benefit terminations.
Seek Professional Guidance for Complex Cases
SGA rules can be confusing, especially if you’re self-employed, receive accommodations, or have irregular income. Disability Advice can provide the guidance you need to help you understand your rights under the SSDI program and how SGA applies to your situation.
FAQs About Substantially Gainful Activity
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Qualify for SSDI?
Yes. You can work part-time and still qualify for SSDI as long as your monthly earnings remain below the SGA limit set by the SSA.
What Happens if I Go Over the SGA Limit by Mistake?
If your income temporarily exceeds the SGA limit, your benefits may be paused but not automatically terminated. Always report income changes to the SSA right away to avoid delays or overpayments.
Does SGA Apply Differently to Veterans Applying for VA Disability Benefits?
Yes. SGA only applies to SSDI and SSI benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs uses a separate system to evaluate VA disability compensation.
How Often Does the SSA Update SGA Limits?
The SSA updates SGA limits annually to reflect national wage trends and cost-of-living adjustments.
Can I Lose SSDI if I Try to Work for a Short Period?
Not necessarily. SSDI allows a trial work period of up to nine months, allowing you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
What Is Substantially Gainful Activity? Get Help with Your SSDI Claim
SGA is one of the most important factors the SSA considers when reviewing disability claims and determining if you retain the ability to earn a living despite your condition. Understanding how it works and its impact on your eligibility can help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your case.
If you’re unsure how your income or work affects eligibility, Disability Advice can help. Our team provides clear, step-by-step support to help you understand SSDI eligibility, gather documentation, and prepare for each stage of the process.
Get personalized help today by contacting us for a free evaluation and learn how to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
