SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the earnings threshold SSA uses to decide whether your work is significant enough to rule out disability. If you earn more than the SGA amount from work, SSA will generally find you not disabled at step one of the evaluation, regardless of your medical condition. For 2026 the SGA level is $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals, and both figures are adjusted annually.

SGA is about gross earnings from work activity, not passive income such as investments or gifts. Certain deductions, such as impairment-related work expenses, can reduce countable earnings below the SGA line, so a paycheck near the limit is worth reviewing carefully.