Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether you are disabled:

• For 2025, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.
• If you earn more than these amounts, the SSA will generally decide that you are not disabled, regardless of your medical condition.
• Income below the SGA level may still allow you to qualify, provided you meet medical requirements.

Types of Work That May Affect Your SSDI Claim

Not all work is treated the same under SSA rules. The agency considers:

• Full-time employment – Likely to exceed SGA and cause denial.
• Part-time work – May be allowed if your earnings stay under SGA.
• Unpaid volunteer work – Could still be reviewed if it shows abilities inconsistent with your disability claim.

Risks of Working While Applying

If you choose to work while applying for SSDI in Nevada, be aware of the risks:

• Inconsistent Evidence – Working may contradict your claim that you cannot maintain employment.
• Closer SSA Scrutiny – The SSA may examine whether your job tasks prove you’re able to work full-time.
• Delayed or Denied Claims – Earnings above SGA will almost always result in denial.

Exceptions: Trial Work Periods

If you are already receiving SSDI and want to try working, the SSA allows trial work periods. However, this does not apply while your initial application is pending. Trial work periods only begin after approval.