Asset Development: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Asset Development & Vocational Rehabilitation 30-Second Training Series

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2013 What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and Why Does It Matter?

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2013 What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and Why Does It Matter? SGA is how the Social Security Administration weeds out people who can really work but are receiving federal benefits. It matters because it is important to prevent fraud. A B SGA is the amount of money a person must earn once they have received vocational rehabilitation services. It matters because the person has to pay the money back that was spent on their case if they do not earn SGA in a year. C SGA is the earnings threshold that helps determine an individual’s eligibility for disability benefits. To be eligible, a person must be unable to earn more than $1040 per month ($1780 for a person with blindness). It matters because VR must be able to help individuals think about their earnings in relationship to their benefits. Also, during Trial Work Period (TWP) individuals can earn as much as they want and still receive their full cash benefit. The TWP is an excellent time to save. Select the best answer

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2013 Incorrect … SGA is not a way to weed out people who really can work.  To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount is considered to be engaging in SGA.  Once a person on Social Security Disability (SSDI) returns to work they have nine months of Trial Work (not necessarily consecutive) in a rolling 60-month period to test their ability to work. Please see

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2013 Incorrect… Vocational Rehabilitation does not require clients to pay back money they have earned if they do not return to work.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2013 You are on the money! CORRECT! We need to help clients think strategically about earning above SGA, and about how to use Trial Work Period (TWP) so that they are on a pathway to a strong financial future. The TWP has no earnings limits, and during TWP jobseekers still receive their full cash benefit. So jobseekers should be advised to use TWP to their best advantage. Jobseekers should discuss this with their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and if available speak with a benefits planner for more information. To learn more, visit TACE's Asset Development Exchange [tacesoutheast.org/network/ax/] TACE's Asset Development Exchange

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © Your Feedback Your Feedback Help TACE continuously improve…

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TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © Disclaimer This presentation was developed by the TACE Center: Region IV ©2013 with funds from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the priority of Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Projects (TACE) – Grant #H264A However, the contents of this presentation do not necessarily represent the policy of the RSA and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government [34 CFR (b)].