What does SGA mean for people who receive SSDI?
SGA is used for two purposes for people on SSDI: 1) to determine eligibility and 2) to determine whether benefits will continue. In addition to the other SSDI eligibility criteria, an applicant must be earning less than the monthly SGA level in order to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Once on SSDI, the SGA amount is used as a gauge to determine if you continue to meet SSA’s definition of disability, and, therefore, if benefits will continue. Earnings at the SGA level or above may trigger your cash benefits to stop. IRWEs may be deducted from gross monthly earnings in order to help a SSDI recipient stay below SGA level. Using an IRWE to decrease the earnings counted can help you become eligible for SSDI, or to help you maintain eligibility. It is important to note that you will not be eligible for SSDI if you work at the SGA level or above within 12 months of the start of your impairment(s) or before SSA approves your claim for benefits.
