What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

What is substantial gainful activity (or employment) when used in Social Security Disability terminology?

My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. 

Today, we’re going to talk about what substantial gainful activity is in the context of Social Security disability claims.

In order to be found disabled and eligible for Social Security disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. If you are earning more than a certain monthly amount (excluding any impairment-related work expenses), you are considered to be engaging in what Social Security calls Substantial Gainful Activity (or SGA). The amount of your monthly earnings that are considered SGA can depend on the nature of your disability. In 2023, if you are blind, SGA is considered $2,460 per month. If you are not blind but are disabled due to other reasons, the SGA amount for 2023 is $1,470 per month.

This means that if you are not blind and you are earning more than $1,470 per month, you are engaging in substantial gainful activity and cannot be found disabled by Social Security rules 

Thanks so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.