If you have worked at the SGA level at any time since the alleged onset date of your Social Security disability claim, it can be problematic for your claim. You must have (or expect to have) a 12-month period of disability to qualify for Social Security disability (or have a condition which is expected to
Welcome! This site is written for Social Security disability claimants, for their legal representatives, and for the network of people involved in the Social Security disability claim process. I hope you find it helpful.
Step 1
If you are still working, you are not eligible for Social Security disability benefits
By Gordon Gates on
Posted in Step 1
I frequently talk with prospective clients who are thinking about applying for Social Security disability but are still working (and earning more than the 2023 SGA amount of $1,470 per month, gross pay).
These prospective clients sometimes want to discuss the likelihood of success for a disability claim, should they stop working and apply for…
SGA Amount will be $1,090 for 2015
By Gordon Gates on
Posted in Step 1
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the amount of money you can earn through wages and still be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SGA amount is important for two classes of people:
A person applying for disability benefits must have (or be expected to have) a period of 12 consecutive months with wages below…
If You Are Working, You Are Not Disabled
By Gordon Gates on
Posted in Step 1
I frequently talk, or trade emails, with people who are thinking about applying for Social Security disability but are still working (and earning more than the SGA amount of $1,000 per month).
Sometimes people are surprised that they cannot still work and apply for disability benefits. Sometimes they want to discuss the likelihood of success for…
The Work Activity Report – Form SSA-821-BK
By Gordon Gates on
Posted in Step 1
Sometimes there is work after a claimant's alleged onset date. The Work Activity Report – Employee addresses that issue.
Being disabled means you are not working. So it is entirely appropriate for Social Security to request the details for any work activity after the alleged onset date. After all, step 1 of Social…
SGA for 2010
By Gordon Gates on
The substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount for 2010 is $1,000 per month. You can see the SGA amounts since 1975 here.
The SGA determination is step 1 of Social Security's 5-step sequential evaluation. For Social Security disability or SSI, you must have (or expect to have) a 12-month period during which you do not have…
SGA Amount for 2010 will be $1,000
By Gordon Gates on
The SSA published its annual fact sheet last week. The SSA's official acknowledgement that there would be no COLA next year got most of the attention. However, there will be a new SGA amount for 2010. The new SGA amount will be $1,000 per month.
Finally, a number that is easy to divide!
Question regarding Social Security SGA
By Gordon Gates on
A reader of this site had this question: should i still appeal my ssdi denial if i did not meet the sga requirement?
The answer is: probably not, but maybe yes. Let's take a look at each part of the answer.
Probably not: If you are working above the level of substantial gainful activity (SGA)…
Must I give up my job to be eligible for Disability?
By Gordon Gates on
Posted in Step 1
This reader question regarding Social Security disability arrived by email today:
I am in the process of gathering info so I can decide if I should apply for disability. It appears that the first criteria to meet is to not be working. I am working and it is very, very difficult. Will I need to…
Impairment Related Work Expenses
By Gordon Gates on
If you have monthly earnings above the level of substantial gainful activity, it is problematic for your disability or SSI benefits.
For 2008, the SGA amount is $940. Earnings over that monthly amount can present real challeges to receiving benefits. Depending upon the circumstances, you can be denied benefits (or the benefits you receive…