To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you have to show that your disability prevents you from being able to work. In Social Security’s words, you have to show that you are unable to engage in a substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA translates into a maximum dollar amount you are allowed to earn and still be potentially eligible [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)’
Is SGA too complicated?
Even if you know the definition of a substantial gainful activity (SGA), could you apply it? Can you be sure that the last job you tried before you applied for Social Security disability benefits was SGA?
Charles Hall proposes that substantial gainful activity (SGA) has become just too complicated.
If one is engaging in SGA, one cannot be considered disabled, [...]
How Social Security reviews cases: the 5 step sequential evaluation process
I have written about how Social Security defines disability, work, and a substantial gainful activity.
But, how does Social Security really evaluate a case?
Social Security reviews cases using the five-step sequential evaluation process to decide is a person is disabled. Here are the 5 questions that make up the sequential evaluation process:
Does your impairment keep you [...]
Can I work and still receive Social Security disability or SSI benefits?
Updated 06/05/09.
Can a person work and still receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
The answer is a qualified “yes.”
Social Security wants people to try to go back to work. But, the regulations surrounding keeping your benefits while you try to go back to work make it tricky.
Are you engaged in a Substantial [...]
Trial work period and Social Security disability benefits
Social Security encourages you to try to go back to work to see if you can do it. A Trial Work Period (TWP) lets you work and still be considered disabled by Social Security.
A beneficiary receiving Social Security disability benefits may test his or her ability to work and still be considered disabled. We do not consider [...]
Reducing income below SGA levels: Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
If your work is performed at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level you may be denied Social Security disability benefits. However, you may be able to reduce the amount Social Security considers to bring your gross income below SGA levels.
One way to do this is through Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). Here is what Social Security [...]
Should I work while waiting for my Social Security hearing?
The long wait for a Social Security hearing is a massive financial drain for most people. With no money coming in, or just minimal state aid, a lot of people wonder how to pay for rent, utilities, and groceries.
A number of my clients have asked me if they can try to get a job.
Attorney Jonathan Ginsberg [...]
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
Social Security has two different benefit programs for individuals who are disabled.
Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB, also known as SSDI, or Title 2 benefits); and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title 16 benefits).
Because of its name, it is a common misconception that must apply for “Disability Insurance” if you are disabled. Actually, both programs provide disability benefits.
What is [...]
Am I disabled? Should I apply for Social Security benefits?
A lot of people ask me how Social Security decided if they are disabled.
I can’t do the work I have done for 35 years. Am I disabled?
I stopped working to take care of a family member, but now I am sick. Am I disabled?
I got hurt at work, then they fired me. I keep applying [...]
What if I am earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity amount?
A number of people responded to my prior post about “substantial gainful activity” amounts. To briefly review: the general rule is that you cannot earn more than the substantial gainful activity amounts to be found disabled.
What do I do if I am earning more than the substantial gainful activity amount? Does than [...]
Does Social Security consider all work a Substantial Gainful Activity?
Social Security defines disability as the inability to engage in a “substantial gainful activity” (SGA).
A simplified way of putting this is to say that in order to be found disabled, you have to show that you are unable to work. BUT, this can be misleading. Not all work qualifies as a substantial gainful activity.
So, how [...]
How Social Security considers your ability to work in a disability case
Under Social Security regulations, disability is the inability to engage in a “substantial gainful activity.” This means that to win a Social Security disability case, you have to show that your impairments prevent you from being able to work.
More specifically, you have to show that you are unable to perform the duties of any work [...]
Social Security basics: what is a “disability?”
In order to qualify for disability benefits under Social Security you have to be found disabled.
Well, thank you Captain Obvious.
Ok. But, what does it mean to be disabled? Is it enough to have a medical impairment? Is the diagnosis, itself, enough?
In short, no.
Under Social Security regulations, it is not enough to have [...]
