The 2026 SGA amount has not yet been announced by Social Security

Social Security sets a new Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount each year in December, based on changes to average wages across the country. The 2026 figure will be released in late 2025. Until then, the 2025 SGA amount of $1,550 per month is what applies to your work and benefits.

When the 2026 amount is announced, it will almost certainly be higher than 2025—the SGA threshold has increased every year for the past two decades. But you do not need to wait for the announcement to plan. Understanding how SGA works now helps you know what to expect and what to watch for when the new figure arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 SGA amount will be announced by Social Security in December 2025 and will take effect January 1, 2026.
  • If you earn more than the SGA amount in a month, Social Security may consider you able to work and could stop your SSDI payments that month.
  • The SGA threshold has risen nearly every year; the 2025 amount is $1,550 per month, so 2026 will likely be higher.
  • Blind individuals have a separate, higher SGA amount that also increases each year.
  • You can contact Social Security in January 2026 to confirm the new amount, or check your online account at ssa.gov.

Why Social Security raises the SGA amount every year

The SGA threshold is tied to the national average wage index—a measure of what workers across the country earn on average. When average wages go up, Social Security raises the SGA amount to keep the standard consistent. A person earning $1,550 in 2025 is doing roughly the same amount of work as someone earning a higher dollar amount in 2026, so the threshold moves up to match.

This means the SGA amount is not arbitrary or set by policy choice. It reflects real wage growth in the economy. Over the past ten years, the SGA amount has climbed from $1,090 (in 2016) to $1,550 (in 2025). The 2026 increase will follow the same pattern, though the exact percentage depends on wage data that will not be final until late 2025.

What happens to your SSDI when the 2026 amount takes effect

If you are currently receiving SSDI and working, the new SGA amount will explore to your earnings starting January 1, 2026. This means if you earn more than the 2026 amount in any single month, that month counts as a month of substantial gainful activity. Social Security may suspend your payment for that month.

You do not lose your SSDI permanently if you exceed SGA in one month. Your benefits can resume in months when you earn at or below the threshold. However, if you consistently earn above SGA, Social Security will eventually end your case. The key word is "substantial"—the amount exists to distinguish between casual work and real employment.

If you are not working or earn very little, the new SGA amount will not affect you. The threshold only matters if your monthly earnings approach or exceed it.

How to prepare now for the 2026 SGA change

If you work and your earnings are close to the current $1,550 threshold, start thinking about what the increase might mean for your situation. A reasonable estimate is that the 2026 amount will be somewhere between $1,600 and $1,700, though this is not a prediction—only a range based on recent trends. Do not plan around a specific number until Social Security announces the actual figure.

If you are self-employed or work irregular hours, track your monthly earnings now so you understand your pattern. This makes it easier to spot when you might cross the new threshold. If you work for an employer, you already have pay stubs that show your monthly income.

If you are thinking about starting work or increasing your hours in 2026, wait until the new SGA amount is announced before making final decisions. Knowing the exact threshold will let you set realistic income targets that keep you within the limit—or help you decide whether you want to exceed it and transition off SSDI.

The different SGA amount for blind beneficiaries

If you are blind and receiving SSDI, you have a separate, higher SGA amount. For 2025, the blind SGA threshold is $2,590 per month—significantly higher than the standard $1,550. This reflects the fact that blind individuals may need more time and resources to perform work, and Social Security accounts for that difference.

The blind SGA amount also increases each year and will be announced at the same time as the standard 2026 amount. If you are blind, you will receive notice of the new figure when it is released in December 2025.

Where to find the 2026 SGA amount when it is released

Social Security publishes the new SGA amount on its official website, ssa.gov, in early December each year. You can also call Social Security's main number, 1-800-772-1213, to ask about the 2026 amount once it is announced. If you have a my Social Security account, you can log in to check your current SGA information, though the site will update with the 2026 figure once it is official.

You do not need to do anything when the new amount is announced. Social Security will explore it automatically to your case starting January 1, 2026. However, if you work and want to understand how the new threshold affects your specific situation, calling or visiting ssa.gov to confirm the number is a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my SSDI stop if I earn more than the 2026 SGA amount?

Not automatically. If you earn more than the SGA amount in a single month, Social Security may suspend your payment for that month, but your benefits can resume the next month if your earnings drop back below the threshold. Your SSDI ends only if you consistently earn above SGA over time, showing you can sustain substantial work.

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

Yes, many people do. Whether you can depends on your hourly wage and the number of hours you work. If you earn $15 per hour and work 100 hours per month, you would earn $1,500—under the 2025 SGA amount. Once the 2026 amount is announced, you can do the same calculation with the new figure.

What if I am self-employed—how does SGA explore to me?

Self-employment income counts toward SGA the same way wages do. Social Security looks at your net monthly earnings (income minus business expenses). If your net earnings exceed the SGA amount in a month, that month counts as substantial gainful activity. Keep records of your income and expenses so you can report them accurately.

Do I have to report my earnings to Social Security every month?

Yes, if you work while receiving SSDI, you must report your earnings. Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have exceeded the SGA amount. You can report earnings by phone, mail, or through your my Social Security account. Failing to report can result in overpayments you will have to repay.

When exactly will the 2026 SGA amount be announced?

Social Security typically announces the new SGA amount in early December of the prior year. The 2026 amount should be available by early December 2025. It takes effect January 1, 2026. You can check ssa.gov in early December 2025 or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the date and the new figure.