SGA For Blind and Non-Blind Individuals in 2010

In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you will not only have to prove that you suffer from a severe disability, but you also must prove that you aren't engaging in substantial gainful activity.

Substantial gainful activity-commonly referred to as SGA-is a measure that the Social Security Administration uses to determine if you are earning more money than a person receiving disability benefits should. There are important differences in how SGA is defined for a person who is blind vs. someone who is not blind.

In 2010, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $1,640. This means that if a blind individual were to earn more than $1,640 in one month, they would be considered to be engaged in SGA and not eligible for Social Security disability benefits. This monthly cap does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

The SGA for non-blind individuals is $1,000. This amount applies to both Social Security disability benefits and SSI.

To learn more about SGA and its impact on your disability application, visit our article library.  

These nuances of the Social Security disability claims process can trip up even the most careful individual during the application process. That is why a Staten Island Social Security disability lawyer can be so helpful in protecting your claim from the types of errors that will result in a denial or excessive waiting periods.

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact the Staten Island Social Security disability lawyers at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.