For 2027, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has increased the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) thresholds for individuals with disabilities. These changes may affect people preparing to apply for benefits, those whose applications are under review, and current disability beneficiaries who are considering returning to work.

At Disability Attorneys of Michigan, we understand that navigating Social Security disability rules can be challenging. Knowing how the new SGA limits work can help you make informed decisions about employment and your disability claim.

What Are the SGA Limits for 2027?

The SSA has established the following monthly SGA amounts for 2027:

• $1,770 for individuals with disabilities other than blindness.
• $2,950 for individuals who meet the SSA’s definition of statutory blindness under the applicable Social Security disability rules.

These figures represent increases from the 2026 limits of $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for statutorily blind individuals.

For applicants with disabilities other than blindness, the monthly threshold has increased by $80. For statutorily blind individuals covered by the Social Security disability SGA rules, the monthly threshold has increased by $120.

Remember that these thresholds do not guarantee eligibility. The SSA considers the circumstances of a claim when determining whether work constitutes SGA. Additionally, the special SGA rules for statutory blindness apply to Social Security disability benefits but do not apply to SSI in the same way.

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?

Substantial Gainful Activity refers to work that involves significant physical or mental activities and is performed for pay, profit, or a similar economic purpose.

The SSA uses SGA in its disability eligibility evaluation. Generally, when an applicant earns more than the applicable monthly threshold through work, the SSA may determine that the individual is engaging in SGA and does not meet the requirements to qualify for disability benefits. This is especially important for beneficiaries who are considering employment, as the SSA has special rules for returning to work.

However, earnings are not the only consideration. The SSA may also evaluate the nature of the work, the value of the services performed, and whether certain deductions or special employment circumstances apply.

The agency establishes different SGA thresholds for individuals with disabilities other than blindness and those who are statutorily blind. These amounts are updated periodically using national wage data. Understanding which threshold applies to you is essential when evaluating your work activity.

How Have SGA Limits Changed Over the Years?

The SGA threshold has increased over time as national wages have changed. Comparing recent figures helps illustrate how the earnings guidelines have evolved.

Year	Non-Blind Individuals	Statutorily Blind Individuals
2020	$1,260	$2,110
2021	$1,310	$2,190
2022	$1,350	$2,260
2023	$1,470	$2,460
2024	$1,550	$2,590
2025	$1,620	$2,700
2026	$1,690	$2,830
2027	$1,770	$2,950

Source: Social Security Administration.

Although the limits have generally risen over time, a higher threshold does not necessarily mean everyone who earns less than the stated amount qualifies for disability benefits. The SSA must still determine whether the individual meets the program’s medical and other non-medical requirements.

How Does the SSA Determine Whether Your Work Counts as Substantial Gainful Activity?

The SSA evaluates work activity to determine whether an individual can engage in substantial employment. Several factors may affect that determination.

1. Monthly Earnings

For many employees, earnings are an important starting point. The SSA generally compares countable earnings from work with the applicable SGA threshold. However, the amount shown on a paycheck may not match what the SSA ultimately counts. Certain deductions, subsidies, and other adjustments may apply.

2. The Nature of Your Job

The SSA may consider the duties you perform, the responsibilities you have, and the physical or mental demands of your work. Part-time employment can qualify as SGA in some circumstances. Working fewer hours does not automatically mean your employment falls below the SGA standard.

3. Disability-Related Work Expenses

Some people must pay for products or services that allow them to work despite their medical conditions. Depending on the circumstances, certain impairment-related work expenses may be deducted when the SSA calculates countable earnings.

For example, qualifying expenses related to disability-related transportation or specialized equipment may affect the calculation. The expense must meet the SSA’s requirements, so not every work-related cost qualifies.

4. Special Conditions or Accommodations

If an employer provides additional assistance, supervision, or accommodations because of an employee’s disability, the SSA may consider whether those arrangements affect the value of the work performed.

This can be especially important when an individual can maintain employment only because the employer makes adjustments that other workers would not ordinarily receive.

5. Self-Employment

The SSA may evaluate self-employed individuals differently from traditional employees. Rather than looking only at monthly earnings, the SSA may examine the services performed, the individual’s activities and responsibilities, and the value of the work to the business.

For this reason, self-employed applicants and beneficiaries should not assume that their reported business income alone determines whether they are engaging in SGA.

Does Earning More Than the SGA Limit Automatically Disqualify You?

Not every situation is straightforward. Although earnings above the applicable SGA threshold can create a significant obstacle for someone applying for disability benefits, the SSA’s rules include additional considerations.

For example, certain deductions may reduce countable earnings. The agency may also need to evaluate whether particular work attempts, special conditions, or other circumstances affect the determination process. It is also important to distinguish between applying for benefits and already receiving them.

Before making employment decisions based on the 2027 SGA amounts, consider how your particular circumstances and benefit program may affect the outcome.

What Income Does Not Count Toward SGA?

SGA primarily involves work activity and the earnings or value associated with that work. Not every source of money is considered earnings from employment for SGA purposes.

For example, passive income such as bank interest, stock dividends, and certain rental income generally is not treated as earnings from work for the SGA determination simply because the money is received.

However, this income is important to consider when it comes to other Social Security rules, such as SSI’s income and resource requirements. If you have income from multiple sources, it helps to understand how each source is treated under the specific benefit program.

How Can the 2027 SGA Limits Affect Your Disability Claim?

The new thresholds may be relevant in several situations, including if you:

• Are preparing to apply for disability benefits
• Are working part-time while applying
• Have recently returned to work
• Are self-employed
• Have disability-related expenses

Because the SSA’s evaluation can involve more than a single earnings figure, reviewing your work history, earnings records, and relevant expenses may help clarify how the rules apply to your situation.

Speak With Disability Attorneys of Michigan About Your Claim

Understanding the 2027 Substantial Gainful Activity limits is an important step when applying for Social Security disability benefits or considering a return to work. However, the SGA threshold is only one part of the disability determination process.

If you are concerned that your earnings could affect your application or current benefits, our Social Security disability lawyers can help you understand the rules that apply to your circumstances and the options available to you.

Whether you are preparing an initial application, dealing with a denial, or trying to understand how employment could affect your benefits, getting reliable legal guidance can help you make more informed decisions.

Contact Disability Attorneys of Michigan today to learn how we may be able to help you pursue the benefits you need by calling (800) 949-2900.