Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for SSDI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if an individual's work activity is considered too substantial to warrant Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your earnings from work are above the SGA limit, the SSA generally presumes you are not disabled, even if you have a severe medical condition.
The SGA limit is adjusted annually. For 2023 and 2024, the general SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month. For individuals who are blind (meeting the SSA's specific definition of blindness), the SGA limit is higher, set at $2,460 per month for 2023 and 2024.
How the SGA Limit Works:
Average Monthly Earnings: This refers to your gross monthly income from any work activity, before taxes and deductions. It includes wages, self-employment income, and in-kind benefits (like room and board) that have a cash value.
Trial Work Period: After you start receiving disability benefits, you may enter a Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, you can earn above the SGA limit for a certain number of months (usually 9 months within a 60-month period) without affecting your benefit eligibility. However, once the TWP ends, your earnings will be evaluated against the SGA limit.
Blindness Exception: The SSA has a higher SGA threshold for individuals who are considered blind by their definition. To meet the SSA's definition of blindness, you must have a medically determinable visual impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death, and which prevents you from performing basic work activities.
Using This Calculator:
This calculator provides a quick estimate of your SGA status based on your reported average monthly earnings and whether you meet the SSA's definition of blindness.
Average Monthly Earnings: Enter the gross amount you earn or expect to earn each month from your work.
Are you blind? Select 'Yes' if you have been approved for disability benefits as a blind individual by the SSA or believe you meet their strict definition of blindness. Select 'No' otherwise.
The calculator will then compare your reported earnings to the current SGA limits to determine if your work activity is likely considered "Substantial Gainful Activity."
Disclaimer: This calculator is an informational tool only and does not provide legal advice. It is based on the most current SGA limits available at the time of this writing (2023-2024). The SSA makes the final determination of SGA status. Always consult with an experienced disability attorney or advocate for advice specific to your situation.
function calculateSGA() {
var monthlyEarningsInput = document.getElementById("monthlyEarnings");
var isBlindSelect = document.getElementById("isBlind");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var monthlyEarnings = parseFloat(monthlyEarningsInput.value);
var isBlind = isBlindSelect.value;
var sgaLimitNonBlind = 1470; // SGA limit for non-blind individuals (2023-2024)
var sgaLimitBlind = 2460; // SGA limit for blind individuals (2023-2024)
resultDiv.className = ""; // Reset classes
if (isNaN(monthlyEarnings)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number for monthly earnings.";
return;
}
var currentSGALimit = (isBlind === "yes") ? sgaLimitBlind : sgaLimitNonBlind;
if (monthlyEarnings > currentSGALimit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Earnings Exceed SGA Limit.Your reported earnings ($" + monthlyEarnings.toFixed(2) + ") are above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $" + currentSGALimit.toFixed(2) + " per month (for " + (isBlind === "yes" ? "blind" : "non-blind") + " individuals). This may affect your SSDI eligibility.";
resultDiv.className = "does-not-meet-sga";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Earnings Below SGA Limit.Your reported earnings ($" + monthlyEarnings.toFixed(2) + ") are below or equal to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $" + currentSGALimit.toFixed(2) + " per month (for " + (isBlind === "yes" ? "blind" : "non-blind") + " individuals).";
resultDiv.className = "meets-sga";
}
}