SSA Basic Information
What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
You can work and still receive Social Security Disability benefits. You are restricted as to how much money you can earn after work-relates expenses. This amount is called substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Any amount over the maximum dollar amount and you are considered substantially employed. What this all means is, you will only be eligible for SSDI if you have a physical or mental condition which limits your ability to perform substantial gainful activity. In 2009 the SGA was $980. Each year the amount a person can earn and stay below the threshold for Substantial Gainful Activity is revised upward by $40.
It is important to note that how the SSA determines whether an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity is based mainly on the amount of earnings and not the number of hours normally worked. Therefore, even if a claimant was only working part-time, the amount of wages earned may still disqualify the claimant.
If you have incurred certain “impairment related work expenses” permitted by the Social Security Administration you may be able to subtract the expenses from the amount you earn each month. You can typically deduct your out-of-pocket expenses for items such as medicine, medical supplies, medical devices, service animals, and disposable items such as bandages and syringes when figuring the amount of your earned income.
You may also be able to deduct your out-of-pocket expenses for medical services such as doctors visits and some attendant care services charged for preparing you for work, attending to you while you are at work, or getting you to and from work. You may also deduct certain out-of-pocket expenses for transportation and modifications to your home, car, or van which allow you to work.
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