What Is SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)?
When people use the word “disabled,” they often mean it in the everyday sense, someone who is seriously ill or physically unable to function. But the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a very specific legal definition of disability, and it does not arrive at that definition based on a single diagnosis or symptom. Instead, SSA determines disability through a structured process called the five-step sequential evaluation. The very first step in that process is assessing whether you are engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity, commonly known as SGA.
So before SSA ever evaluates your medical condition, it asks a straightforward question: are you currently working and earning above a certain monthly threshold? For 2026, that number is $1,690 per month. If you are working, even part-time, and earning above this amount, SSA will determine that you do not meet their definition of disability, regardless of the severity of your medical condition. SGA is Social Security’s way of measuring whether you are able to perform work-like activity, and it sets the foundation for everything that follows in the evaluation process.
What Counts as SGA?
Social Security looks at your gross earnings, not your take-home pay after taxes. If your paycheck shows $2,000 before deductions, you are over the SGA limit even if you only net $1,500.
What Is Not SGA?
Not all income counts toward the SGA threshold. Investment income, pensions, unemployment benefits, and workers’ compensation payments do not affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
What Is the Next Step?
If Social Security determines you are not performing SGA, your claim advances to the next stage of the sequential evaluation: the medical evaluation. At this point, SSA assesses whether your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities and whether it is expected to last at least 12 months. Many claims fail at this stage due to insufficient medical documentation, so it is important to have thorough records on file, including physician notes, diagnostic test results, and specialist opinions.
We Are Here to Help
To determine whether you or your client qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, contact The Walker Firm for a free 10-minute evaluation. Our experienced team can quickly assess whether your medical condition meets Social Security’s strict eligibility requirements and guide you through the application process. We also maintain trusted referral partnerships with skilled attorneys who handle personal injury matters—including auto accidents, slip and fall cases, and pedestrian injuries—as well as workers’ compensation claims. Call The Walker Firm today at 1-800-454-5454 to take the first step toward securing your benefits.
