What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

SGA is the amount of monthly earned income that the SSA considers enough to show you're capable of working. If your earnings go over this amount, you may be denied SSDI—even if your medical condition is severe.

2025 Monthly SGA Limits

• $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals
• $2,700 per month for statutorily blind individuals

These limits apply to earned income only, such as wages or self-employment income. Unearned income (like child support or investment income) does not count toward SGA for SSDI.

How the Income Limit Affects SSDI

• If you're applying for SSDI and earn above the SGA limit, your application may be denied.
• If you're already receiving SSDI, consistently earning above the limit may cause your benefits to stop—unless you’re in a work trial period or protected return-to-work program.

Work Incentives to Know

Trial Work Period (TWP)

SSDI recipients can test their ability to work by earning any amount for up to nine months in a rolling 60-month window. These months don’t count against the income limit. In 2025, any month where you earn more than $1,160 will count toward your TWP.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing your Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month safety net. During this time, you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit. If you go over, your benefits may pause—but they can restart if your income drops again.

Texas-Specific Notes

Even though SSDI is a federal program and the income limits are the same nationwide, it’s still important to understand how they apply to your situation in Texas. If you're working part-time or thinking about returning to work, knowing the limits helps you avoid accidentally losing your benefits.