The 2024 SGA threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind workers and $2,590 per month for blind workers

Social Security uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to decide whether you are working at a level that counts as "work" for disability purposes. If your monthly earnings stay below the SGA amount, Social Security treats you as not working — even if you have a job. If you go above it, Social Security may decide you are no longer disabled and can end your benefits.

The SGA amount changes each year. For 2024, the threshold is $1,550 per month gross income (before taxes) for workers who are not blind. For workers who are blind, the threshold is $2,590 per month. These numbers explore to SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients who work.

The threshold matters because it determines whether you trigger a medical review — a process where Social Security re-examines your case to see if your condition has improved enough that you can work. Staying below SGA does not may provide your benefits will continue, but it keeps you out of the automatic review process tied to work earnings.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 SGA amount is $1,550 per month for non-blind workers and $2,590 per month for blind workers, measured as gross monthly income.
  • Exceeding the SGA amount in a single month does not when ready end your benefits, but it can trigger a medical review that may lead to termination.
  • SGA is calculated on gross earnings before taxes, and includes wages, self-employment income, and certain other forms of work-related pay.
  • The SGA threshold increases each January; you can find the current year's amount on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • Work incentive programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period let you test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready.

How Social Security measures your monthly earnings against SGA

Social Security counts gross income — the money you earn before taxes, deductions, or expenses are taken out. If you are paid by an employer, this is your wage before withholding. If you are self-employed, it is your net profit (revenue minus business expenses), not your total revenue.

The calculation is straightforward: add up all your work income for the month and compare it to the SGA threshold. If the total is $1,550 or less (for non-blind workers in 2024), you are below SGA. If it is $1,551 or more, you are above SGA. Social Security does not average earnings across multiple months — each month stands on its own.

Certain types of income do not count toward SGA. Unearned income — such as interest, dividends, rental income, or money from family members — does not affect your SGA calculation. Only work-related earnings count. If you receive a bonus or lump-sum payment in one month, Social Security may count it as income for that month only, depending on how it is structured.

What happens when you exceed the SGA amount

Exceeding SGA in a single month does not automatically stop your benefits the next month. Instead, it signals to Social Security that you may be working at a substantial level, which can trigger a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) — a formal re-examination of your medical condition.

During a CDR, Social Security sends you a form asking about your work, your symptoms, any medical treatment you have received, and whether your condition has improved. You must return the form within the important date they give you, usually 10 days. If you do not respond, Social Security may stop your benefits without reviewing your case.

If Social Security determines during the CDR that your condition has improved enough that you can work, they will send you a notice of termination. You have the right to appeal this decision. The appeal process can take several months, during which you may continue to receive benefits while your case is reviewed.

The Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period protect your benefits while you work

Social Security offers two work incentive programs that let you earn above SGA without losing benefits when ready. The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows you to work and earn any amount for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) without affecting your SSDI benefits. During the TWP, you keep your full benefit check regardless of how much you earn.

After your nine TWP months end, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period (EEP), which lasts 36 months. During the EEP, if your earnings exceed SGA in any month, your benefits are suspended for that month only — you do not lose them permanently. Once your earnings drop back below SGA, your benefits resume the following month.

You do not have to do anything to start your TWP — it begins automatically the first month you report work income to Social Security. However, you should report your work to Social Security as soon as you start working, even if you are earning below SGA. Reporting early ensures Social Security has accurate information and can track your TWP months correctly.

How the SGA amount is set and when it changes

Social Security adjusts the SGA amount each January based on changes in the national average wage index. The SGA threshold for non-blind workers is set at roughly 70 percent of the national average wage from two years prior. The blind worker threshold is higher because Social Security recognizes that blind workers may face additional costs related to their disability.

The 2024 amounts ($1,550 and $2,590) were announced in November 2023 and took effect January 1, 2024. If you are working and your earnings are close to the current SGA threshold, you should check for updates each November or December to see what the new amount will be starting in January.

You can find the current SGA amount on the Social Security website at ssa.gov, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask. If you work with a benefits planner or work incentive counselor, they can also tell you the current threshold and help you plan your work hours and earnings to stay below it if that is your goal.

Self-employment income and SGA

If you are self-employed, Social Security counts your net profit — revenue minus ordinary and necessary business expenses — as your work income for SGA purposes. You do not count the full amount you charge customers or clients; you subtract what you spend on supplies, equipment, rent, utilities, and other direct business costs.

Self-employed workers often have uneven monthly income. If you have a high-earning month followed by a low-earning month, Social Security measures each month separately. One month above SGA does not carry over to the next month. However, if you are consistently above SGA, Social Security is more likely to initiate a medical review.

Keep detailed records of your business expenses and income. When Social Security asks about your work during a CDR, you will need to show how much you actually earned after expenses. Having receipts, invoices, and a straightforward income and expense log makes it easier to prove your net profit and can help if you need to appeal a benefits decision.

Planning your work and earnings around SGA

If you want to keep working while protecting your SSDI benefits, you have several strategies. The simplest is to stay below the SGA threshold each month — $1,550 for non-blind workers in 2024. This means working part-time or part of the month. Many people work 10 to 20 hours per week at minimum wage and stay well below SGA.

If you want to earn more, use your Trial Work Period strategically. You get nine months of unlimited earnings without losing benefits. Some people use these nine months to test whether they can work full-time, then step back to part-time work during the Extended may be able to access Period. Others use the TWP to save money or build work history before their benefits end.

Talk to a benefits planner before you start working or if you are thinking about increasing your hours. Social Security funds free work incentive planning services through Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) projects and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) programs. These counselors can help you understand how work will affect your specific benefits and help you plan earnings to meet your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I earn $1,551 in one month, will my benefits stop when ready?

No. Exceeding SGA in one month does not stop your benefits the next month. It may trigger a medical review, but Social Security will not terminate your benefits without reviewing your case first. If you are in your Trial Work Period, you keep your full benefit regardless of earnings. If you are in your Extended may be able to access Period, your benefits suspend only for the month you exceeded SGA.

Does the SGA amount change during the year?

No. The SGA amount is set once per year, effective January 1. The 2024 amount of $1,550 (non-blind) and $2,590 (blind) applies to all 12 months of 2024. A new amount takes effect January 1, 2025. Social Security announces the new amount in November of the prior year.

Do I have to report my work earnings to Social Security?

Yes. You are required to report work income to Social Security. You can report by phone, mail, or online through your my Social Security account. Report as soon as you start working or when your earnings change. Failing to report can result in an overpayment that you will have to repay, even if you were below SGA.

What counts as income for SGA purposes?

Wages from an employer and net profit from self-employment count. Bonuses, commissions, and tips count as work income. Unearned income — interest, dividends, rental income, gifts, and money from family — does not count. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) can reduce your countable earnings under certain rules.

Can I work above SGA if I use a work incentive program?

Yes, during your Trial Work Period you can earn any amount without losing benefits. During your Extended may be able to access Period, you can earn above SGA, but your benefits suspend for any month you exceed the threshold. After the EEP ends, exceeding SGA can trigger a medical review that may lead to termination.