1. What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

• SGA refers to substantial physical or mental work activity that results in a certain monthly income.
• If your earnings exceed the SGA limit—and aren't part of SSA-approved work incentive programs—the Social Security Administration (SSA) may determine you're no longer disabled.

2. 2025 SGA Income Limits

The SGA thresholds are uniform across the U.S., including Virginia:

• $1,620 per month for individuals who are not legally blind
• $2,700 per month for individuals who are legally blind

3. Types of Income Counted

Your gross monthly earnings count toward SGA, including:

• Wages before taxes
• Net income from self-employment
• Commissions, tips, or performance bonuses

However, certain work-related expenses you pay due to your disability—known as Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)—can be subtracted from your gross income, effectively reducing your countable income.

4. Work Incentives That Protect SSDI

Virginia SSDI beneficiaries can benefit from SSA’s work incentive programs:

• Trial Work Period (TWP):
• Allows you to work for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period
• In 2025, any month with earnings over $1,110 counts toward your TWP; you keep full SSDI benefits during these months
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):
• Begins after your TWP ends, lasting 36 months
• You can still receive SSDI benefits for any month your income remains below the SGA limit
• If your earnings exceed SGA in a month, benefits are suspended but will resume automatically when your income drops below the limit during the 36‑month window

5. What Happens If You Exceed SGA After TWP/EPE

• If your income surpasses the SGA limit after both TWP and EPE have ended, your SSDI benefits may be suspended or terminated.
• However, if your disability worsens and forces you to stop working within five years, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)—allowing your benefits to restart promptly without filing a new claim.