What is substantial gainful activity?

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) refers to work that is performed for pay or profit and requires a significant amount of physical or mental effort. This activity must be performed on a regular basis and must result in earnings that are above a certain threshold set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA uses SGA as a criteria to determine whether an individual is eligible for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If an individual's earnings exceed the SGA threshold, then they may not be eligible for disability benefits.

The SGA threshold is adjusted annually based on cost of living adjustments. In 2021, the SGA amount is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals.

It is important to note that not all work performed is considered SGA. The SSA considers various factors when determining whether work is substantial and gainful, including the nature of the work, the skills required, the amount of time spent on the work, and the amount of money earned. Additionally, the SSA may consider work done under special conditions as not SGA. For example, if an individual is employed but receives accommodations or subsidies that significantly reduce the effort required or the amount of earnings received, then the work may not be considered SGA.