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SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)
Also called: Substantial gainful activity
Last reviewed 2026-07-08
SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. It is an earnings level used in disability cases.
Social Security sets a monthly dollar amount. It updates this most years. Earnings above that amount are one factor in a disability case. Some disability costs can be subtracted first.
This word shows up in Social Security disability letters, next to a monthly dollar figure.
“When your earnings exceed the reasonable value of the work you perform, we consider only that part of your pay which you actually earn”
Programs
This word shows up in real letters. Start with your letter
Related words
TWP (Trial Work Period)
The Trial Work Period lets someone on SSDI try working for up to nine months. Benefits keep going during this time, no matter how much they earn.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
The Extended Period of Eligibility is 36 months after a trial work period. SSDI can restart on its own in a month with low earnings.
IRWE (Impairment-Related Work Expense)
An IRWE is money you spend on things you need because of your disability to work. It can be subtracted from your earnings when Social Security checks your income.
CDR (Continuing Disability Review)
A CDR is a checkup Social Security does now and then. It checks if a medical condition still meets the rules for disability benefits.
Related notices
Sources
- Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (e-CFR mirror)Retrieved 2026-07-08
Last reviewed 2026-07-08