The 2025 SGA amount is $1,550 per month

If you receive SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount is the monthly income limit that Social Security uses to decide whether you are still disabled. In 2025, that limit is $1,550 per month for most people receiving SSDI.

This number matters because if you earn more than $1,550 in a month, Social Security may assume you are no longer disabled and can stop your benefits. The amount changes every year based on national wage trends, so the 2024 limit was $1,470 — meaning the 2025 threshold is $80 higher.

The $1,550 figure applies to non-blind beneficiaries. If you are blind, the 2025 SGA limit is $2,590 per month. These are federal amounts; they explore the same way in every state.

Key Takeaways

  • Earning more than $1,550 in a single month can trigger a medical review of your disability status, though one month over the limit does not automatically end your benefits.
  • The SGA amount increases each January based on changes in national average wages, so you should check the current year's figure before taking a job.
  • Self-employment income, wages, and certain other earnings all count toward the $1,550 limit, but some types of income do not.
  • If you are blind, your SGA limit is $2,590 per month in 2025, giving you more room to earn while keeping your benefits.
  • Exceeding SGA does not when ready stop your benefits, but it signals to Social Security that you may no longer meet the disability definition.

How Social Security uses the SGA amount

The SGA threshold is a screening tool, not an automatic cutoff. When you earn more than $1,550 in a month, Social Security does not when ready remove you from the SSDI rolls. Instead, it flags your case for a medical continuing disability review (CDR).

During a CDR, Social Security asks you to report your current medical condition and may request updated medical records from your doctors. The agency then decides whether your condition has improved enough that you can work at a substantial level. If Social Security concludes you can still work despite earning over SGA, your benefits may stop.

If you earn under $1,550 in a month, Social Security generally does not conduct a medical review based on your earnings alone. This is why the SGA amount is sometimes called a "trial work" threshold — it is the point at which Social Security begins to question whether you remain disabled.

What counts toward the $1,550 limit

Most types of earned income count toward SGA. This includes wages from a job, net income from self-employment, and certain other payments you receive for work. If you work part-time or full-time, all your earnings in a month are added together to see if you crossed $1,550.

Some income does not count toward SGA. Unearned income — such as Social Security retirement benefits, pensions, rental income, or interest from savings — does not affect your SGA calculation. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) also does not count, though SSI and SSDI are separate programs with different rules.

If you are self-employed, Social Security counts your net profit (income minus business expenses) toward SGA. You will need to report your business income carefully, because underreporting or overreporting can create problems later.

Why the SGA amount changes every year

Social Security adjusts the SGA limit each January to reflect changes in the national average wage. The adjustment is meant to keep the threshold realistic as wages across the economy rise or fall. In recent years, the SGA amount has generally increased by $50 to $100 annually.

You can find the current year's SGA amount on the Social Security website or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Because the amount changes, it is worth checking before you start a new job or increase your hours, especially if your potential earnings are close to the limit.

The SGA amount for blind beneficiaries also increases each year. In 2025, it is $2,590 per month. If your vision loss qualifies you for the blind SGA rate, you have significantly more room to earn without triggering a medical review.

What happens if you earn over $1,550 in one month

Earning more than $1,550 in a single month does not automatically end your SSDI benefits. Social Security will likely send you a form asking about your work and earnings. You should report your income honestly and completely.

If you earn over SGA in one month but your earnings drop below $1,550 in later months, Social Security may not take any action. The agency looks at your overall work pattern, not just one high-earning month. However, if you consistently earn above $1,550, Social Security will almost certainly schedule a medical review.

During the review, be prepared to describe your job duties, how many hours you work, and any limitations your disability creates at work. If you have medical evidence that your condition has not improved — such as recent doctor's notes or test results — bring that to the review.

Planning work while on SSDI

If you are thinking about returning to work, knowing the SGA amount helps you plan. You can earn up to $1,549 per month without automatically triggering a medical review. Some people use this space to test whether they can work, or to earn extra income while keeping their benefits.

Social Security also offers a Trial Work Period (TWP), which is separate from the SGA rule. During a TWP, you can earn any amount for nine months without affecting your benefits. After the TWP ends, the SGA limit applies again. Not all beneficiaries are aware of the TWP, so ask Social Security whether you may have access to.

If you plan to work, report your earnings to Social Security promptly and honestly. Failing to report work income can result in overpayments that you will have to repay, or in your case being referred for fraud investigation.

Blind beneficiaries and the higher SGA limit

If Social Security has determined that you are blind, you are may have access to to a higher SGA threshold. In 2025, blind beneficiaries can earn up to $2,590 per month without triggering an automatic medical review. This higher limit recognizes that blind individuals often face greater barriers to employment and may need to earn more to support themselves.

To use the blind SGA rate, Social Security must have already classified you as blind in your case file. If you believe you are blind under Social Security's definition but have not been classified that way, you can ask Social Security to review your status. The definition of blindness for SSDI purposes is specific — generally, vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does earning $1,550 one time mean my benefits will stop?

No. One month of earnings at or above $1,550 does not automatically stop your benefits. Social Security looks at your overall work pattern. However, if you earn over $1,550 regularly, Social Security will likely schedule a medical review to determine whether you remain disabled.

What if I earn $1,600 one month and then stop working?

Social Security will probably contact you to ask about your work. If you can show that the high-earning month was temporary and you are not working now, the agency may close the case without conducting a full medical review. Report your earnings honestly so Social Security has accurate information.

Do I have to report my earnings to Social Security?

Yes. You are required to report work income to Social Security. Failing to report earnings can result in overpayments you must repay, and can damage your credibility if Social Security later reviews your case. Report earnings within the month they occur if possible.

Can I work part-time and stay under the SGA limit?

Yes, many SSDI beneficiaries work part-time and earn under $1,550 per month. If you work 10 to 15 hours per week at minimum wage, you will likely stay under the limit. Calculate your potential monthly earnings before you start to make sure you know where you stand.

What is the difference between SGA and the Trial Work Period?

The Trial Work Period lets you earn any amount for nine months without affecting your benefits. After the TWP ends, the SGA limit applies. Not all beneficiaries have a TWP available, so ask Social Security whether you are in one or whether you can start one.