Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses a benchmark called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your work is considered “too much” for you to qualify as disabled. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, the SSA may conclude that you are not disabled.

Working below the SGA limit allows you to:

• Keep receiving your SSDI benefits
• Stay active in the workforce
• Demonstrate effort while protecting your claim

Use of the Trial Work Period (TWP)

The SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) for SSDI recipients who want to test their ability to return to work. During this time, you can earn any amount of income for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period without losing your benefits.

As of 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.

After your nine TWP months, your case enters an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), during which you can still receive benefits in any month you earn below the SGA limit.

Be Cautious with Part-Time Work

Even if you stay under the income threshold, the SSA might evaluate the type of work you do. For example:

• Are you performing skilled tasks?
• Does your work suggest you could handle full-time employment?
• Does it conflict with your claimed limitations?

If your work seems inconsistent with your stated disability, the SSA might review or challenge your eligibility.