Social Security Disability Work Limits for 2026
In 2026, monthly SGA was $1,690 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for statutorily blind individuals; the trial-work amount was $1,210.
Timeline
- January 1, 2026: The 2026 SGA and trial-work thresholds took effect.
- During a trial work period: A qualifying earnings month counts toward the nine service months in a rolling five-year period.
For 2026, Social Security listed substantial gainful activity, or SGA, at $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals. SGA is a work-activity standard used in disability decisions, with program rules and permitted adjustments affecting how earnings are evaluated. [1][2]
The 2026 trial work period amount was $1,210 per month. For Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries, a month above that earnings amount can count as one of nine trial-work service months within a rolling 60-month period. The months do not need to be consecutive. [2][3]
The trial-work amount and SGA are not interchangeable. During the trial work period, a beneficiary may test work while still receiving the full disability payment under the applicable rules. After the trial, SGA becomes important during the extended period of eligibility and later benefit decisions. [2][3]
Social Security states that the trial work period does not apply to Supplemental Security Income. The blind SGA amount also does not apply to SSI in the same way it applies to Social Security disability benefits. A person receiving SSDI, SSI or both therefore needs the rules for the correct program. [1][3]
Gross earnings alone may not decide every case. Impairment-related work expenses, subsidies, unsuccessful work attempts and self-employment rules can affect an SGA evaluation. Beneficiaries must report work activity and should keep wage evidence rather than estimating eligibility from a single paycheck. [1][2]
These thresholds are monthly and change over time. The 2026 figures should not be reused for another year. Because a mistaken assumption can interrupt payments or create an overpayment, individual cases should be checked through SSA or a qualified benefits counselor before relying on a general summary. [1][2][3]
Self-employment can use both earnings and work-activity tests, and the trial-work rules count more than wages in some situations. SSA’s 2026 fact sheet provides the headline numbers, while its work pages explain sequencing. The safest interpretation starts with the beneficiary’s program, current work phase and reported monthly activity. [1][2][3]
Sources
- SSA — 2026 COLA fact sheet and disability thresholds
- SSA — returning to work with Disability benefits
- SSA — trial work period amounts and rules