SSA Benefits Online

What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) [ssa.gov/redbook/eng/definedisability.htm]

• Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical and/or mental activities.
• “Gainful” work activity is: (1) Work performed for pay or profit; or (2) Work of a nature generally performed for pay or profit; or (3) Work intended for profit, whether or not a profit is realized.

Evaluate your Activity for SGA Purposes [ssa.gov/redbook/eng/definedisability.htm]

• We generally use earnings guidelines to evaluate whether your work activity is SGA.
• Earnings averaging over $1,180 a month (for the year 2018) generally demonstrate SGA.
• If you are blind, earnings averaging over $1,970 a month (for the year 2018) generally demonstrate SGA.