Substantial Gainful Activity

The current SGA amount is $810 for non-blind.  It is $1,350 for the blind.  The trial work period amount is $580.

Under 20 CFR 404.1572 and 416.972, the term ‘‘substantial gainful activity’’ means work activity that involves significant physical or mental effort and that is done for pay or profit. Work activity is gainful if it is the kind of work usually performed for pay or profit, whether or not profit is realized. 

In evaluating initial claims for disability, Social Security makes a determination whether an applicant for either Social Security benefits or SSI benefits is engaging in substantial gainful activity.  Social Security finds applicants not to be disabled if they are working and performing substantial gainful activity, regardless of their medical condition.