Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) in Social Security Disability

Substantial Gainful Activity

When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, one important concept to understand is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). SGA refers to the level of work activity an individual can engage in while still being considered disabled and eligible for disability benefits. In this article, we will delve into the details of SGA, its definition, examples, how it affects eligibility and other relevant aspects.

Defining Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

SGA is a term used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether an individual’s work activity can be considered substantial and gainful. It serves as a threshold to evaluate an individual’s ability to engage in substantial work despite their disability.

In 2023, the SGA threshold for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month, while for blind individuals, it is $2,460 per month. If an individual’s monthly earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA generally considers their work activity as substantial and gainful, which may impact their eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

Examples of Substantial Gainful Activity

To better understand SGA, let’s consider a few examples. Suppose an individual has a physical disability that limits their mobility and ability to perform physically demanding tasks. If they are currently working part-time in an office job and earning less than $1,470 per month, their work activity would likely not be considered substantial and gainful, allowing them to potentially qualify for disability benefits.

However, if another individual with the same disability is working full-time and earning more than $1,470 per month, their work activity would likely be considered substantial and gainful. This could lead to the denial of their disability claim based on their ability to engage in substantial work.

How SGA Affects Eligibility

The SSA uses the concept of SGA to determine whether an individual’s work activity is substantial enough to suggest that they are not disabled or have the ability to engage in substantial gainful employment. If an individual’s monthly earnings exceed the SGA thresholds, it is presumed that they have the capacity to support themselves through work and may not be eligible for disability benefits.

It is important to note that the SSA takes into account various factors when assessing SGA, including the individual’s work hours, earnings, self-employment, and the nature of the work performed. They consider both monetary and non-monetary factors to determine whether the work activity can be classified as substantial and gainful.

Relevance of SGA in Disability Determination

While SGA plays a significant role in disability determination, it is not the sole factor considered by the SSA. Even if an individual’s work activity falls below the SGA thresholds, they must still meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which includes having a severe impairment that prevents them from engaging in any substantial gainful activity for a minimum of 12 months.

The SSA evaluates the severity of the impairment, its impact on the individual’s ability to work, and whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate their condition. If an individual’s disability significantly limits their ability to perform work-related activities, despite their earnings falling below the SGA thresholds, they may still be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Putting it All Together

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is a crucial concept in the evaluation of disability claims by the Social Security Administration. It serves as a threshold to determine whether an individual’s work activity is substantial and gainful, potentially affecting their eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Understanding the SGA limits, examples, and its relevance in disability determination can help individuals navigate the process and provide necessary information to support their disability claims. It is advisable to consult with a disability attorney or representative for personalized guidance in interpreting and applying SGA rules to

If you require assistance with a social security disability appeal and would like to get in touch with an attorney, then click here to fill out our free, no-obligation social security disability consultation form or call (833) 613-0618.