What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

• The SSA uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether your part-time work is too much.
• For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month in gross earnings (before taxes) for non-blind individuals, and $2,590 per month for blind individuals.
• If you earn more than this amount, the SSA may decide you are not disabled, which could end your benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

• The SSA allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP).
• During a TWP, you can work and earn more than the SGA limit for up to 9 months within a rolling 60-month window.
• In 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month.
• After your trial period, the SSA evaluates whether you can continue to receive benefits.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

• After your TWP ends, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility.
• During this time, if your monthly earnings fall below SGA, you can still receive benefits.
• If you go over SGA in a given month, your benefits may stop — but they can restart if your income drops again within this period.

Reporting Requirements in South Carolina

If you decide to work part-time while on SSDI, you must:

• Report your earnings to the SSA promptly.
• Keep pay stubs and employment records for proof.
• Notify SSA of any changes in job duties, hours, or pay.

Failure to report work activity can lead to overpayments that you may be required to pay back.

Examples of Part-Time Work While on SSDI

• Acceptable Scenario: Working 15–20 hours per week in a light-duty job, earning $1,200 a month (below SGA).
• Risky Scenario: Working 25 hours a week at higher wages that push monthly earnings above $1,550, which may trigger a review and possible loss of benefits.