SGA
The earnings threshold used by the SSA to determine whether a person is engaging in work that disqualifies them from SSDI or SSI benefits.
2025 SGA threshold: $1,620/month for non-blind individuals; $2,700/month for blind individuals.
Earning above SGA generally disqualifies you from initial SSDI eligibility or may trigger cessation of ongoing benefits.
Trial Work Period (TWP): SSDI recipients can test their ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits.
→ Many self-employment expenses can be deducted from gross income before comparing against SGA.
Also known as
Related terms
- RFC
SSA's assessment of the maximum amount of work-related physical and mental activity a person can do consistently over a full workday despite their impairments, used when a claimant does not meet a Blue Book listing.
- SSI
A federal needs-based program administered by the SSA that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and to adults 65+, who have limited income and resources.
- Trial Work Period
A 9-month window during which SSDI recipients can test their ability to work and earn any amount without affecting their SSDI eligibility.
- Work Credits (Social Security)
Units of credit earned through taxable employment or self-employment, used to determine eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
Take the next step
Frequently asked questions about SGA
What does SGA mean?+
SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. It is an earnings limit set by the Social Security Administration. If you earn more than this amount each month, the SSA may decide you are able to work at a level that stops your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
How does SGA affect my SSDI benefits?+
The SSA uses the SGA limit to decide if your work counts as substantial gainful activity. If your earnings are above the SGA limit, it usually means your disability does not stop you from working. This can make you ineligible for SSDI or SSI benefits. There are exceptions, like during a trial work period.
What is the SGA earnings limit?+
The SGA earnings limit changes each year. It is a set amount of money you can earn each month while still being considered disabled by the Social Security Administration. For non-blind individuals, earning more than this amount generally means you are performing Substantial Gainful Activity.
Can I work and still get SSDI if I'm under the SGA limit?+
Yes, you can often work and get SSDI or SSI if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. The SSA designed this limit to help people with disabilities stay connected to work if they are able. There are also special rules, like trial work periods, that let you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. For more information, check out our 'How Work Affects SSDI' guide.