SGA Limit for 2026: What “Substantial Gainful Activity” Means for Disability
If you’re applying for Social Security disability—or you’re already receiving benefits and thinking about returning to work—one acronym matters a lot: SGA.
SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. It’s the work-and-earnings test the Social Security Administration uses to decide whether your work activity is high enough to show you can support yourself through competitive employment.
The 2026 SGA limits
In 2026, the monthly SGA amounts are:
- $1,690/month for most disabled individuals (non-blind)
- $2,830/month if you meet Social Security’s rules for statutory blindness
Important: Social Security generally looks at countable earnings—and in many situations it can subtract certain disability-related expenses from your earnings when deciding whether you’re over SGA.
What counts as SGA?
Social Security defines SGA as work that is both:
- Substantial (significant physical or mental activities), and
- Gainful (done for pay or profit).
This is why part-time work can still be “substantial”—it’s not just about hours; it’s also about what you do and what you earn.
Why SGA matters in a disability claim
SGA shows up at critical points in the disability process:
1) When you apply (initial claim)
If you’re earning over SGA, Social Security may deny your claim at the very first step—sometimes without even getting deep into your medical evidence.
2) After you’re approved (continuing eligibility)
If you go back to work after approval, you generally must report it, and Social Security may review whether your earnings (and work incentives) keep you eligible.
Can you work and still keep benefits?
Often, yes—but the rules depend on the program and where you are in the process.
If you receive SSDI: Trial Work Period + Extended Period of Eligibility
Social Security has work incentives that let many people test returning to work:
Trial Work Period (TWP)
- You can work for at least 9 months and still receive your full disability payment.
- In 2026, any month you earn over $1,210 (before taxes) generally counts as a TWP month.
- During TWP months, there’s no cap on how much you can earn.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
- After the TWP, there’s a 36-month window where you can still receive benefits in months you’re not over the limit.
- In 2026, the EPE earnings limit uses the SGA amounts: $1,690/month (or $2,830 if blind).
Ways your “countable earnings” may be lower than your paycheck
People get tripped up because gross pay isn’t always the final number Social Security compares to SGA.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
If you pay out-of-pocket for certain items or services you need to work because of your disability, Social Security may deduct those costs from your earnings when evaluating SGA (and may also affect SSI payment calculations).
Subsidies and special conditions
If you receive extra support on the job—like more supervision, fewer duties than coworkers, or extra paid breaks—Social Security may treat part of your pay as a subsidy and only count the “real value” of your work toward SGA.
Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA)
Sometimes a person tries to work, but has to stop (or drop below SGA) within a short time because of the impairment (or loss of special conditions). In some circumstances, Social Security can treat that period as an unsuccessful work attempt, meaning the work won’t be used to show you can do SGA.
What about SSI?
SGA can still matter for SSI disability, but SSI also has separate income rules that can reduce your monthly payment even when you’re below SGA.
Also, SGA for statutory blindness does not apply to SSI, even though the non-blind SGA standard does.
Frequently asked questions about SGA in 2026
Is SGA a yearly limit or a monthly limit?
SGA is measured as a monthly earnings amount.
What if I earn over SGA for just one month?
It depends on timing (applying vs. already on benefits), whether work incentives apply, and whether deductions like IRWE/subsidy/UWA apply.
Do self-employed people use the same SGA test?
Social Security uses different rules to determine SGA for self-employment.
Talk to a disability lawyer about SGA
If you’re close to (or over) the SGA limit, it’s smart to get advice before you apply—or before you increase your hours—so you don’t accidentally trigger a denial, benefit suspension, or overpayment.
Collins Price helps clients across North Carolina understand work rules and build strong disability claims. Our partners Brad Collins and Andrew Price personally handle each claim.
This article is for general education and is not legal advice.
About Collins Price, PLLC
Collins Price is a North Carolina disability law firm serving Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and surrounding areas. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys provide free consultations on SSDI or SSI claims. There is never a fee for our services unless your claim is approved.
Our firm partners, Brad Collins and Andrew Price personally handle each claim. They are ready to assist you no matter where you are in the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
