1. Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

• SGA refers to substantial physical or mental work activity that earns above a designated monthly amount.
• If your earnings exceed this limit—and aren't part of protected work programs—SSA may determine you're capable of working and no longer disabled.

2. SGA Limits for 2025

These thresholds apply nationwide, including in Washington:

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

3. Types of Income Included

Your gross earnings count toward SGA, including:

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

However, you may be able to subtract Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) — such as assistive devices, transportation, or medical treatment — to lower your countable earnings.

4. Work Incentives That Protect Your Benefits

Washington residents on SSDI can use SSA work incentives:

• Trial Work Period (TWP):
• You can work for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period, regardless of earnings.
• In 2025, a month with earnings over $1,110 counts toward your TWP.
• You continue to receive full SSDI benefits during TWP.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE):
• After TWP ends, you enter a 36-month EPE.
• You’ll receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings remain below the SGA limit.
• If earnings exceed SGA in a month, benefits are suspended but can resume automatically when earnings fall below the threshold again.

5. What If You Exceed the SGA Limit

• If you exceed SGA after both TWP and EPE, your benefits may be suspended or terminated.
• However, if your disability worsens and you stop working within five years, Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows you to resume benefits without a new application.