What is “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and how does it relate to Social Security Disability?

Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is an important term in Social Security disability law, especially in the state of Tennessee. SGA means that a person is able to work and make enough money from that work to support themselves. In order for someone to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they must be unable to engage in SGA. In Tennessee, SGA is defined as earning more than a certain amount of money per month; this amount is calculated by the Social Security Administration and adjusted yearly for inflation. In 2021, the SGA amount for non-blind applicants is $1,310, and the SGA amount for blind applicants is $2,190. If a person is earning more than these amounts, they will not be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SGA also has to do with how many hours and types of work a person is able to do on a regular basis. If a person is able to work full-time hours for more than six months in a row, they are considered to be engaging in SGA and, therefore, will not qualify for disability benefits. While SGA can be an important factor in determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, it is not the only factor. The Social Security Administration considers other factors, such as the applicant’s medical condition, the severity of the applicant’s symptoms, and how these symptoms affect the applicant’s ability to work. Therefore, it is important that applicants be aware of SGA and its impact on their eligibility for Social Security disability.

What is “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and how does it relate to Social Security Disability?

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