Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

SGA is a basic test used by the SSA to establish disability status. SGA is the performance of significant mental or physical duties for profit.  It is usually determined to be gross earnings in excess of the annual SGA level determined January 1 of each year.

To meet this part of the disability test, individuals must not be working, or if working, must make less than the SGA level. The amount of SGA both of the individual with a disability and for an individual who is blind is based annually on the national average wage index.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for Blind Beneficiaries

SSA decides the SGA of self-employed individuals who are blind solely on their earnings. They do not look at time spent in the business or services rendered as they do for non-blind self-employed individuals. Special rules apply after an individual who is blind turns 55 years old.  Contact the SSA if you meet SSA’s definition of blindness and if, upon turning 55, you are earning SGA but your work requires a lower level of skill and ability than the work you did before age 55.