What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

To qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must be unable to participate in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you must not be able to work enough to support yourself financially.

If you’re earning more than a specified monthly amount, that’s typically considered engaging in SGA. The amount of monthly income that’s considered SGA varies and depends upon the nature of your disability. Additionally, the Social Security Act allows for a higher amount for individuals who are statutorily blind.

The amount changes along with the national average wage index.

An exception to the SGA rule is if someone wants to try out returning to work to see if he or she is able to rejoin the workforce. When

workers are deemed eligible for disability benefits, they’re allowed to attempt to return to the work force for a trial period, during which they may still be able to collect benefits.

Work may also be considered “substantial” if it involves performing significant physical or mental tasks. Therefore, work does not need to be full-time to be considered “substantial.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines the limit for how much money a person can make – and what type of work they can do – based on the type of disability and the current cost of living. To learn more about that formula, visit the SSA’s website.

Do you have questions about receiving Social Security disability benefits? Feel free to contact us at 877-526-3457. One of our representatives will be happy to speak with you. If you’d prefer to contact us online, fill out this form and we will be in touch right away.