social security disability secrets

SGA, SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY

Social Security Disability Definitions

This information may help claimants with representation, as well as claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system works can make the difference between winning or not winning the continuing disability benefits and backpay to which a person is entitled. To win a claim for ongoing and past due benefits, claimants should learn about the disability process to improve their chances of winning.
Substantial Gainful Activity is simply the dollar amount that a disability beneficary (SSI or social security) may earn each month while simultaneously maintaining eligibility for benefits. The reasoning behind this seemingly arbitrary amount is this: it is the view of the social security administration that an individual who is able to earn at least this amount per month is able to engage in competitive employment in the national economy.

Currently, the SGA amount for 2008 is $940.00.



Beneficiaries who wish to maintain their eligibility for ongoing disability benefits, as well as individuals who are applying for disability benefits, must be careful not to exceed the SGA amount, i.e. gross monthly earnings of $940.00.

*Note: SGA applies to disability claimants as well as recipients.

Individuals who work and have earned gross monthly income exceeding the SGA threshold are not considered disabled and are ineligible to receive benefits.

What happens if you attempt to file for SSD or SSI and you are currently working and earning at least the SGA amount? Your claim will receive what is known as a technical denial, meaning that it will be denied almost immediately without medical review (your medical records will not be requested or evaluated because you will be considered ineligible to file based on non-medical criteria).



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Additional Questions & Answers


  1. Social Security Disability, SSI - How do you qualify medically?

  2. Social Security Disability, SSI - How long is the process?

  3. Social Security Disability, SSI - Why does it take so long?

  4. Social Security Disability, SSI - How to apply

  5. Social Security Disability, SSI - What cases win?

  6. How long does it take to hear something after applyling for social security disability or ssi ?

  7. How does social security decide when my disability begins or starts ?

  8. Can a social security disability or ssi claim take over a year ?

  9. Are appeals on social security disability SSI claims successful ?

  10. What is the success rate for social security disability ssi claims ?

  11. SSD (social security disability) SSI disability benefits - What if I get better and go back to work ?

  12. Application for disability

  13. Back pain disability claim

  14. How to get disability


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  • When should you apply for social security disability benefits?

  • How to apply for Disability benefits offered by Social Security

  • How are Social Security claims for disability decided?

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  • How do you qualify medically for social security disability?

  • Why is the social security disability disability process so long?

  • What social security disability cases win?

  • How good are the approval chances for disability?

  • When should you decide to get representation?

  • Why do social security disability cases take forever?

  • Is it better to appeal or start over on a social security disability case?

  • Is there a time limit to file a social security disability appeal?

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  • Does Social Security deny everyone the first time they apply?

  • Does Social Security you a certain number of times before you're approved?

  • How much does a representative charge to handle a case?

  • Can certain medical conditions or problems get you automatically approved for social security disability?

  • Is filing a new disability application the same as doing a social security appeal?

  • Can you win a social security disability case if you've used alcohol or drugs?

  • Does Social Security give backpay to everyone approved for disability?

  • Does Social Security deny disability claims to save money?

  • Does Social Security give you a disability decision in ninety (90) days?

  • Will a VA approval help my Social Security Disability Case?

  • What is the purpose of the medical exam that social security sends you to?

  • Should you use an attorney or non attorney to provide representation?













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