SGA Limits 2026: How Much Can You Earn on SSDI?
TL;DR: The 2026 SGA (substantial gainful activity) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earning above SGA generally disqualifies you from SSDI. Understanding exactly what counts as earnings and what does not is crucial. ClaimPath builds your SSA-compliant documents for $79.
2026 SGA Limits
| Category | Monthly SGA Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-blind individuals | $1,620 | $19,440 |
| Blind individuals | $2,700 | $32,400 |
What Counts as Earnings
SGA is based on "countable earnings," not gross pay. SSA may deduct certain items before comparing your earnings to the SGA limit:
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Out-of-pocket costs for items or services you need because of your disability to work (medications, transportation, assistive devices)
- Subsidies: If your employer pays you more than the value of your work output, the difference is deducted
- Unincurred business expenses: For self-employed individuals, contributions by others that you did not pay for
What Does Not Count
- Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
- Rental income (if not actively managing properties)
- Gifts and inheritances
- VA disability compensation
- Workers' compensation
- Pension and retirement income
SGA and Your Application
If you are currently earning above SGA, you will be denied automatically regardless of your medical condition. If you recently stopped working or reduced hours to below SGA, document the reason clearly. SSA wants to know why you stopped or reduced work.
SGA History
| Year | Non-Blind SGA | Blind SGA |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1,470 | $2,460 |
| 2024 | $1,550 | $2,590 |
| 2025 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| 2026 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
Working Below SGA
You can work and earn below SGA while applying for or receiving SSDI. However, working during your application can raise questions. SSA may view it as evidence that you can perform substantial work. Document clearly why your current work is not at the SGA level: reduced hours, employer accommodations, frequent absences, reduced productivity.
How ClaimPath Helps
ClaimPath builds SSA-compliant documents for $79 that properly document your work situation and why your earnings are below SGA. The AI generates language that explains your limitations in SSA's terms.
Start your ClaimPath application today.
Related Resources
- Trial Work Period Explained
- Working Part-Time on SSDI
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses
- 2026 SSDI Payment Amounts
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about sga limits 2026: how much can you earn on ssdi??
TL;DR: The 2026 SGA (substantial gainful activity) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earning above SGA generally disqualifies you from SSDI. Understanding exactly what counts as earnings and what does not is crucial.
What Counts as Earnings?
SGA is based on "countable earnings," not gross pay. SSA may deduct certain items before comparing your earnings to the SGA limit:
What should I know about sga and your application?
If you are currently earning above SGA, you will be denied automatically regardless of your medical condition. If you recently stopped working or reduced hours to below SGA, document the reason clearly. SSA wants to know why you stopped or reduced work.
What should I know about working below sga?
You can work and earn below SGA while applying for or receiving SSDI. However, working during your application can raise questions. SSA may view it as evidence that you can perform substantial work.
How ClaimPath Helps?
ClaimPath builds SSA-compliant documents for $79 that properly document your work situation and why your earnings are below SGA. The AI generates language that explains your limitations in SSA's terms.