Social Security Disability: SGA Limit Raised to $1,690 ($2,830 Blind)

In 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced updated income thresholds known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits that determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and related disability benefits. These limits are a central part of disability law in the United States and have been revised for 2026 based on national average wage changes. The SGA figures directly affect how much beneficiaries can earn and still qualify for or continue receiving disability benefits. The new monthly thresholds are $1,690 for most disabled workers and $2,830 for individuals who are statutorily blind. Understanding these figures, their role, and their impact is essential for people applying for or receiving disability benefits in 2026.

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) refers to work activity that is both substantial (involving significant physical or mental duties) and gainful (done for pay or profit). The SSA uses SGA limits to determine whether a person with a disability can be considered unable to engage in work and thus eligible for disability benefits. If someone earns more than the SGA threshold, the SSA may consider them capable of regular work, which can result in denied or discontinued disability benefits.

For 2026, these limits reflect adjustments tied to wage growth and economic data. This annual update ensures that SGA thresholds keep pace with changes in the broader economy and average earnings.

Updated 2026 SGA Limits

The table below summarizes the 2026 SGA limits for different categories of disability:

Category of Disability	2025 SGA Limit	2026 SGA Limit	Change
Non-Blind Disabled Individuals	$1,620 per month	$1,690 per month	Increased
Statutorily Blind Individuals	$2,700 per month	$2,830 per month	Increased

These figures show that the SSA raised the SGA limit for non-blind individuals to $1,690 per month and for blind individuals to $2,830 per month in 2026. The increase reflects wage growth as calculated by the SSA’s methods, ensuring that threshold values remain relevant.

Why SGA Limits Matter

Impact on Eligibility

The SGA limit plays a crucial role at two major points:

1. Initial Disability Applications
When someone applies for SSDI benefits, the SSA checks whether the applicant is earning more than the SGA limit. If earnings exceed the applicable limit, the claim may be denied without further review of medical records. Staying under the SGA threshold signals that the individual is not currently engaging in substantial, gainful work.

2. Continuing Eligibility for Current Beneficiaries
For people already receiving disability benefits, earning above the SGA limit in any month can trigger a review and possible cessation of benefits, unless protected by specific work incentives like trial work periods.

How SSA Measures SGA

The SSA generally looks at gross income (income before taxes and deductions) to determine whether earnings exceed the SGA limit. Gross income includes wages from employment and profit from self-employment. Even part-time work can surpass the SGA threshold if gross earnings are high enough in any month.

For individuals who are self-employed, SSA uses net income and may consider how work activities and responsibilities resemble those of typical employees to assess if the work is substantial.

Work Incentives and SGA

The SSA has several programs that help beneficiaries attempt to return to work without immediately losing benefits:

Trial Work Period (TWP)

Under the TWP, a beneficiary can work and earn above the SGA limit for up to nine months without losing SSDI benefits. For 2026, the TWP monthly earnings threshold is $1,210; earning above this amount typically counts toward the nine-month period.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing the TWP, beneficiaries enter a 36-month EPE window in which they can receive benefits in months where earnings stay below the SGA limit.

These work incentives are designed to allow disability beneficiaries to gradually test their ability to work without the risk of an immediate loss of income support.

Practical Examples

• A disabled worker earning $1,500 per month in gross income in 2026 remains under the SGA limit of $1,690 and can continue to qualify for SSDI.
• If that same person earns $1,800 in a month, the SSA may determine they are engaging in SGA and could deny or stop benefits unless work incentive protections apply.
• A statutorily blind worker can earn up to $2,830 per month without exceeding the SGA threshold.

Conclusion

The 2026 updates to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits mark an important shift in disability eligibility thresholds. The new monthly figures of $1,690 for most disabled individuals and $2,830 for those who are blind reflect adjustments based on national wage data and are key to maintaining fairness and economic relevance in disability criteria. Understanding these thresholds, how they are applied, and work incentive programs like Trial Work Periods can help applicants and beneficiaries make informed decisions about work and income while remaining eligible for benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions