Social Security: Substantial Gainful Activity for the Blind

Umar Moulta-Ali
Analyst in Disability Policy

In the Social Security disability program, the level of earnings that constitute “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), and therefore disqualifies a person from receiving benefits, is set by regulation at $1,000 a month for 2011. However, for the blind, the law provides a different SGA level, $1,640 a month for 2011, which is adjusted annually to reflect growth in average wages. This report discusses the reasons for these differing amounts and proposals to change them.


Date of Report: February 2, 2011
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: RS20479
Price: $19.95

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