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 …

The SGA amount for persons with disabilities other than blindness is $1,690 per month in 2026.. For persons who are blind, the amount of earnings that indicate SGA is $2,830 per month in 2026.

Dec 8, 2025 · Tables of SGA Earnings Guidelines and Effective Dates Based on Year of Work Activity

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 …

We use SGA as one of the factors to decide if you are initially eligible for Social Security Disability benefits or SSI. If you receive SSDI benefits, we use SGA to decide if your eligibility for benefits …

Oct 7, 2022 · The term "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is "substantial" if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a …

Jan 6, 2011 · The individual's work activity is SGA if, in terms of all relevant factors such as hours, skills, energy output, efficiency, duties, and responsibilities, it is comparable to that of unimpaired …

Feb 25, 2015 · 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 …

May 28, 2025 · 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 …

Jun 27, 2013 · Always process an SGA denial electronically, unless a Certified Electronic Folder (CEF) exclusion applies. For processing instructions, refer to DI 81010.140C.