Substantial Gainful Activity To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount (net of impairment-related work expenses) is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA
SSR 83-33 (Rescinded) It was decided that earnings provided an objective and feasible measurement of work Therefore, an earnings test was established and it has been the primary SGA guide since 1958 The SGA Earnings Guidelines are summarized in the table below
Who can get Disability | SSA If you continue to work, your condition must also limit you from earning income above an amount we call “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month, or $2,700 if you’re considered blind under our rules
SSA - POMS: DI 10505. 001 - Evaluation and Development of Employment . . . An SGA determination is a process that focuses on a person’s earnings and their work activity In most cases, the primary consideration for evaluating a person’s work activity is the gross earnings they received; however, this is only the starting point when making an SGA determination