SGA is a monthly earnings threshold used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether someone qualifies for disability benefits:
- For 2025, SGA is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are blind.
- For 2024, SGA is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are blind.
How Do My Earnings Affect My Social Security Benefits and Interact With SGA?
If you are approved for SSDI benefits, then you are able to work full-time and earn as much as you can for nine (9) full calendar months. Earning above the SGA threshold suggests you are capable of "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA), which may cause your benefits to “stop," but may not cause your benefits to permanently terminate. However, SSA considers various factors, such as the nature of your work or accommodations you receive due to your disability before making a decision.
Can I Still Receive Benefits if My Earnings Temporarily Exceed the SGA Limit?
Yes - when your Ticket to Work is assigned to an approved Employment Network, your benefits are protected, and you are eligible for return-to-work options without immediately losing benefits. This allows you to test your ability to work while still collecting benefits during a trial period.
How Does the Ticket to Work Program Help?
The Ticket to Work (TTW) program offers support to help you re-enter the workforce without losing your benefits such as:
- Career counseling
- Benefits counseling
- Practice interviewing
- Resume assistance
The program also provides protection during periods of increased income, allowing for adjustments before your benefits stop entirely.
Can Disability Services of America Assist With This?
Yes, Disability Services of America helps navigate the complex SSA rules, ensuring that individuals with disabilities understand how their earnings impact their benefits and providing guidance on maintaining benefits through programs like Ticket to Work.
Disability Services of America specializes in helping individuals navigate Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) thresholds to ensure the protection of their SSDI and SSI benefits.
We’ve assisted countless beneficiaries in understanding how earning above the SGA limits impacts eligibility, offering personalized support through programs like Ticket to Work. With our guidance, you can explore work opportunities without risking your essential benefits.