How Does SGA Work?
When Social Security looks at your disability claim, one of the first questions they ask is whether you’re still working.
If you are, they look at what kind of work you are doing and how much you are earning.
If you earn too much by their standards, your claim will be denied. Social Security will see that as a sign that you can work a significant amount and don’t need disability benefits.
Likewise, if you’re already receiving benefits and your income passes Social Security’s monthly earning limit, you can lose benefits.
The limit to what you can earn on a job and still qualify for Social Security Disability is called substantial gainful activity.
Social Security adjusts this limit every year. As of 2026, you couldn’t earn more than $1,690 in any given month as a non-blind individual and be eligible for disability benefits.
You can talk to our Georgia disability lawyers for a better idea of where you stand in qualifying for disability.
Common Questions about the Substantial Gainful Activity Rules
These are some of the questions about substantial gainful activity that our Social Security Disability lawyers hear:
What happens if I earn close to or more than the SGA limit?
Earning enough income to hit substantial gainful activity will jeopardize your disability application or put the benefits you are receiving at risk.
Even if you earn below the SGA limit but close to it, Social Security may question your eligibility. They may think you could work enough to do without financial assistance. Understanding your risk is essential. The disability attorneys at Silver & Archibald can help you determine the best course for you.
How does Social Security calculate your SGA?
It’s important to understand that Social Security doesn’t calculate SGA based on your weekly or monthly hours. Instead, it’s based on the dollar value you earn.
In other words, if an employer pays you a lump sum close to the SGA limit, your benefits may be at risk. But if you work at minimum wage for limited hours, you may still be eligible to receive disability benefits.
Should I try to work at all while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?
The true answer depends on your situation. If you get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security allows you to test your ability to work without losing disability benefits.
Under what’s called a “trial work period,” if you earn at least $1,210 in given month (as of 2026), it can count as a work attempt. You can earn this much or more nine times in a five-year period before Social Security considers you no longer eligible for disability benefits.
What if my condition costs me out-of-pocket expenses to keep working?
If you pay for services to help you manage your disability while working, such as specialized transportation or medications, Social Security can deduct these costs from your actual earnings, lowering your SGA calculation and preserving your benefits.
What if my employer provides help in the workplace?
If your employer helps you with extra supervision, giving you extended breaks or lowering what is expected of you, Social Security considers these to be “subsidies.”
It may deduct the costs of these services or allowances to better reflect the market value of your actual earnings and again help you stay under the SGA limit and preserve your benefits.
How can I find out how SGA applies to me?
As you can see, staying below SGA can get complicated.
The disability attorneys at Silver & Archibald know the ins-and-outs of Social Security Disability, employment, and SGA, and we can help you chart a path to a more stable economic foundation.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
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