If you’re living with a disability, you already know that there are many aspects of your life that it can impact negatively. For adults, in particular, the question of how to provide for themselves when their disability limits their capacity to take on regular work can weigh heavily.
For many, the obvious solution is to apply for federal disability aid, through programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, this process can come with its own series of questions to navigate. Namely, whether or not you qualify.
The biggest metric that the government uses to measure disability benefit eligibility is substantial gainful activity. But what is substantial gainful activity, and how does it affect you? We’re here to break down all of the information you need to know in a clear, concise way, to ensure that you get the help that you deserve!
What Does Substantial Gainful Activity Mean?
Let’s start with the basics: what does substantial gainful activity actually mean?
Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is a term coined by the government to describe their measurement system to determine whether or not you are eligible for disability benefits. Even without being able to work full time, individuals may have other income sources that can impact their eligibility. Those who are earning above a certain income level are typically considered to be engaging in substantial gainful activity and do not qualify for disability. These income limitations change every year and vary depending on the type and severity of your disability.
If you are participating in SGA, you likely will not be able to access the disability benefits provided by Social Security and the federal government.
What Is Considered Substantial Gainful Activity?
Those who live with a disability are often forced to be creative, when it comes to earning a living. But you may be surprised to learn that even jobs that fall outside of traditional full-time roles could disqualify you from disability assistance.
Understanding what is substantial gainful activity for Social Security purposes, is important to anyone navigating the disability assistance process. Here are just a few examples of work scenarios that may be considered SGA under current government guidelines:
- Freelance Work – Freelance work can encompass a wide variety of skills and projects. It also can come with varying monthly incomes. Regardless of the type or frequency, freelance work that earns you more than the current SGA 2025 limits can cause you to become ineligible. However, the government understands that monthly income levels are not always the best way to measure income expectations for freelancing individuals. You will likely be asked to perform one of three tests to determine eligibility.
- Temp Work – Temp work can seem like a perfect alternative for those who are unable to work traditional full-time jobs, as it allows more flexibility in your yearly schedule. However, even without a full time income, this can be considered SGA.
- Self-Employment – Running your own business? Whether it’s new, old, or somewhere in between, your income levels are still subject to government approval when it comes to being eligible for benefits.
- Ridesharing and/or Delivery Jobs – From UberEats to Lyft, this form of work can count as substantial gainful activity for those who earn above a certain monthly limit.
- Consulting – Individual and recurring consulting projects can count as SGA.
- Handyman Work – Handyman work, including jobs earned through apps like TaskRabbit, would typically be considered substantial gainful activity.
What Is Not Considered Substantial Gainful Activity?
Confused? You’re not alone. Many people worry that substantial gainful activity takes into account their ability to perform everyday tasks. But it’s important to note that SGA is almost entirely determined by monetary income, and not your ability to provide for yourself in other ways. For example, the following would not be considered substantial gainful activity:
- Household Tasks – Caring for your home comes with a wide range of activities that you may or may not be able to do with a disability. However laundry, cooking, cleaning or other tasks are not taken into account when determining eligibility.
- School Attendance – Many worry that attending school or other educational events may indicate to others that they are able to work, when they are not. However, school attendance is considered separate from your ability to attend work.
- Unpaid Training – SGA is only measured by your monthly income. So, unpaid training, such as internships do not count.
- Therapy – The ability to attend and pay for therapy or related services does not count as SGA.
- Clubs and/or Social Programs – Your participation in social clubs and programming will not be considered when determining substantial gainful activity
What Is Substantial Gainful Activity for 2025?
The monthly income guidelines for SGA change on an annual basis. In 2024, the limit for individuals who are blind was set at $2,590 and $1,550 for individuals who are not blind. Those numbers have increased in 2025, allowing those with significant vision impairments to make up to $2,700, whereas individuals who are not blind have a limit of $1,620 a month.
It’s important to note that this is a cumulative number, and takes into account all income sources. If you’re interested in learning more about current SGA guidelines, you can find all the information you need on Social Security’s official website.
What Happens If You Exceed The SGA Limits?
If your monthly income is higher than the numbers that are listed above, you likely will not qualify for disability benefits. However, there are exceptions to every rule. If you’ve recently accepted work out of necessity, but are unsure if you are able to sustain it long-term, you may qualify for a trial work period.
The Trial Work Period
The Trial Work Period was designed for disabled individuals who are interested in trying to join or rejoin the workforce, but are unsure if they will be able to do it sustainably.
Recipients of SSDI benefits are entitled to a 9 month period, where they are allowed to make an income greater than the current SGA income limits, without losing their benefits. If, at any point during the trial, it is determined that the individual is unable to continue the position due to limitations caused by their disability, they will continue to receive their benefits without reapplying.
The trial work period covers both full-time positions, and self-employed positions where the individual works over 80 hours a month. However, it’s worth noting that you can only apply for a trial work period once every five years, without reapplying for benefits.
How Much Can I Expect To Earn From SSDI Benefits?
Now that you have a better understanding of substantial gainful activity, you’re likely wondering what you can expect to earn monthly from your SSDI benefits.
Average benefits can vary widely, on a case-to case basis. Different factors will be considered, including:
- Your individual disability
- Your marital status
- Whether or not you have dependents
In 2025, the average individual can expect to receive around $1,580 a month from social security. It’s worth noting, though, that this number is not a guarantee. Rather, it depends on the amount of work credits each individual person has earned.
How You Could Benefit From Using An SSDI Attorney
Understanding your disability benefits and the options available to you can be confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone!
Many people find having an experienced attorney advocating for them can make all the difference when it comes to receiving adequate support, and navigating the complicated application process. The fact of the matter is that the SSDI employees handling your case don’t have the time or ability to consider all of the facts of your case. This can lead to a misunderstanding of your circumstances and denial of your benefits. A qualified attorney can help appeal your SSDI denial and guide you through the legal process of securing your benefits.
Important Tip: When you want specific results, it’s always best to work with a professional who is an expert on your specific situation. At Wettermark Keith, we have a specialized team who understands disability benefits. We’ve helped hundreds of people like you, who have unfairly been denied financial assistance!
Let Our Team Help!
Looking for a dedicated team who understands social security inside and out? Wettermark Keith is here to offer you the expertise that you need. As one of the country’s top 100 social security disability law firms, we have a proven track record of making sure that our clients get the financial compensation they need to live their lives with dignity and security.
If you’ve been denied disability benefits, don’t wait to get the help you need! Applicants have a 60 day window to file an appeal, before being required to start the process over again. Our team is here to save you time, stress, and money. Contact us today to get the support you deserve, before the clock runs out!
