Social Security Sets SGA Levels For 2010
We are often asked whether an individual is eligible for social security disability benefits ("SSDI") even though the invidual is still working. The answer typically depends on how much the individual is earning every month. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must establish that you are unable to perform "substantial gainful activity" ("SGA"), which is basically defined as gainful work activity performed for pay or profit, whether or not any profit is realized. The Social Security Administration ("SSA") considers an individual who is earning more than a certain monthly amount to be engaged in SGA and ineligible for SSDI. The SSA annually sets the SGA amounts for blind and non-blind individuals based on the national average wage index. The monthly SGA amount for 2010 is $1,000 for non-blind individuals and $1,640 for statutorily blind individuals. The SGA amounts change every year and the amounts for past years can be found here.
