SGA is the earnings benchmark SSA uses to determine ongoing disability eligibility. In 2025–2026, SGA levels adjust for inflation, and understanding these thresholds helps you plan work activity without unintentionally losing benefits. This guide breaks down the numbers, the impact on eligibility, and practical planning tips.

What counts as SGA

• Defined amount: SGA is a monthly gross earnings figure. If your countable earnings exceed the threshold, SSA may determine you no longer meet the disability definition for SSDI.
• Deductible expenses: Certain work expenses (like Impairment Related Work Expenses, IRWE) can reduce countable earnings, potentially keeping you under SGA even with higher gross pay.

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients want to work while receiving benefits but worry about losing their financial support. Understanding the 2025 rules around working while on SSDI helps beneficiaries make informed decisions about employment.

The most important concept to understand is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which the Social Security Administration uses to determine if your work activity disqualifies you from disability benefits.

2025–2026 thresholds and implications

For 2025, the monthly SGA amount is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals.

If your earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA may determine you’re no longer disabled.

Working While Receiving SSDI: 2025 SGA Threshold

Many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients want to work while receiving benefits but worry about losing their financial support. Understanding the 2025 rules around working while on SSDI helps beneficiaries make informed decisions about employment.

The most important concept to understand is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which the Social Security Administration uses to determine if your work activity disqualifies you from disability benefits. For 2025, the monthly SGA amount is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals17. If your earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA may determine you’re no longer disabled.

However, the SSA provides several work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits:

The Trial Work Period (TWP) is particularly important. During this period, you can work and earn any amount without affecting your SSDI benefits. The TWP consists of 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period. In 2025, any month where you earn more than $1,160 counts as a TWP month.

After completing your TWP, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, you’ll receive benefits for months where your earnings fall below the SGA level, but won’t receive benefits when earnings exceed it

However, the SSA provides several work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits:

The Trial Work Period (TWP) is particularly important. During this period, you can work and earn any amount without affecting your SSDI benefits. The TWP consists of 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period.

In 2025, any month where you earn more than $1,160 counts as a TWP month. Reporting your work activity to the SSA is mandatory. Failure to report can result in overpayments that must be repaid. Use the my Social Security portal or contact your local SSA office to report earnings promptly.

• 2025 SGA levels: Primary federal SGA threshold is set; earnings above this limit require careful consideration of deductions and other credits.
• 2026 adjustments: The threshold typically rises with inflation. Always verify SSA’s annual publication for precise figures.

How deductions affect SGA

• Impairment-related work expenses (IRWE): Deductible costs directly tied to enabling work (transportation, assistive technology, ergonomic supports) reduce countable income, potentially keeping you under the SGA threshold even with higher gross earnings.
• Work-related expenses vs. unallowable costs: Only costs necessary to work and substantiated with documentation qualify. Keep receipts and physician notes to support IRWE claims.

Planning around SGA

• Budgeting: Model different earnings scenarios with and without IRWE to see how close you are to the threshold.
• Gradual increases: If you’re close to SGA, consider rising earnings in small steps to monitor SSA responses and avoid overpayments.
• Documentation: Regularly update earnings records, work schedules, and IRWE receipts to ensure accurate reporting.

When SGA matters most

• Ongoing eligibility: If countable earnings exceed SGA, SSA may determine you’re no longer disabled under the SSDI definition, which could affect benefits.
• Special protections: Some programs and incentives (like the Trial Work Period) provide breathing room during transitions from disability to work.

Practical steps by our Expert Disability Attorney

1. Know your numbers: Regularly check SSA publications or consult a benefits counselor for the current SGA amount each year.
2. Track deductions: Maintain a clear log of IRWE-eligible costs with receipts and notes explaining necessity.
3. Report earnings accurately: Notify SSA promptly of any work activity and earnings to prevent overpayments and ensure proper benefit treatment.
4. Plan with professionals: A benefits counselor or disability attorney can help optimize the interplay between earnings and benefits.

SGA thresholds in 2025–2026 shape how and when work affects SSDI eligibility. With careful planning, accurate reporting, and strategic use of deductions like IRWE, you can pursue meaningful work while safeguarding your benefits. Stay informed on annual SSA updates and seek guidance to tailor your plan to your health and financial goals.