SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) 2026
SGA — Non-blind
$1,690/mo
$20,280/year
SGA — Blind
$2,830/mo
$33,960/year
Trial work period
$1,210/mo
threshold in 2026
Unearned income does not affect SSDI. Unlike SSI, SSDI is not reduced by unearned income like Social Security retirement, pensions, investments, or rental income. Only work earnings are subject to the SGA limit.
How Work Affects SSDI Benefits
| Situation | Effect on SSDI |
|---|---|
| Earning below $1,210/month | No effect — trial work period month not used |
| Earning $1,210–$1,690/month | Trial work period month used — benefits continue |
| Earning above $1,690/month (non-blind) | SSA may determine you are performing SGA — benefits may stop after trial work period |
| Earning above $2,830/month (blind) | SSA may determine SGA for blind individuals |
| During 36-month extended period of eligibility | Benefits restart automatically any month earnings fall below SGA |
SSDI Work Incentives
SSA offers several work incentives that let you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits:
- Trial Work Period: 9 months (within 60-month window) where you can earn any amount and still receive full SSDI
- Extended Period of Eligibility: 36 months after trial work where benefits restart any month you earn below SGA
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Deduct disability-related work costs from earnings when calculating SGA
- Ticket to Work: Free program offering career counseling, job placement, and continued Medicare during transition to work
SSDI vs SSI — Key Differences
| Feature | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Work history / credits earned | Financial need only |
| Income limit | SGA: $1,690/mo (earned) | Complex calculation based on all income |
| Asset limit | None | $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple |
| Medicare | After 24-month waiting period | Medicaid immediately in most states |
| Unearned income | Does not affect benefits | Reduces benefit dollar-for-dollar (after exclusions) |