Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether you’re able to work.

• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind applicants and $2,590 per month for blind applicants.
• If your income is above the SGA limit, the SSA may decide you are not disabled.
• If your income is below the limit, you can still qualify, but your work activity will be closely reviewed.

Types of Work That May Affect Your Application

• Full-Time Work: Likely to disqualify you since it suggests you can engage in substantial work.
• Part-Time Work: Allowed, as long as your income stays under the SGA threshold.
• Volunteer Work or Unpaid Activity: If it demonstrates you can perform regular work-like activities, it may still influence the SSA’s decision.

Special Considerations in South Carolina

Even if you’re earning below the SGA limit, the SSA office handling your South Carolina claim may look at:

• Whether your work shows you can perform basic job functions.
• The consistency of your work schedule.
• Whether your job duties contradict your claimed disability.

Tips if You Work While Applying

• Keep detailed records of your hours and earnings.
• Ensure your employer documentation matches what you report.
• Focus on your medical evidence—this is the most important part of proving your disability.
• Be honest with the SSA—hiding income or hours can hurt your credibility.