This term describes work activity levels and income that would be classified as ‘substantial’ and ‘gainful’. Typically, if one’s income is around $1,310 (value last assessed 2021) a month for full time work, the person demonstrates SGA. Note that this numerical estimate does not apply to individuals who are blind. To assess a work activity, a gainful activity is either work performed for pay, work of nature generally performed for pay, or work intended for profit (profit may not be realized). 

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Definition Used by the SSA

This is when the Social Security Office  will determine if one meets the standards of SGA. If one does, the process ends because one is not eligible. If one does not meet SGA, the application is sent to DDS to further the evaluation. 

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- Step 1: Are you working?
- Step 2: Do you have a severe impairment?
- Step 3: Do you have an impairment that meets or medically equals a social security ‘listing’?
- Step 4: Are you able to do your past work?
- Step 5: Can you do any other kind of work?

The Sequential Evaluation Process Steps for Individuals 18 and Over

Ordp, O. (n.d.). Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-- If You Are Disabled or Blind. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-disable-ussi.htm#sgact

Supplemental Security Income for People With Disabilities or Blindness

The Sequential Evaluation Process Step 1 (18+)

DDS evaluates if the appliance has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This requires necessary documentation. If it is determined one does, DDS decides if the impairment is defined as “severe”. The definition used by DDS considers an impairment severe if it significantly limits one's physical or mental ability to do basic work. If severe, the applicant continues the application and if not, the applicant is not eligible as they are not considered disabled.

The Sequential Evaluation Process Step 2 (18+)

The applicant must meet or medically equal a listing in the listing of impairments provided and used by DDS. To do this, they compare the impairment to the requirements in the listings, and one must meet the requirements of the listing and the 12 month duration period. If one meets these, the process will end here and the agency will determine the applicant to be disabled. If the applicant meets all other steps but not this one, they will continue the process of evaluation through a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment (RFC). 

The Sequential Evaluation Process Step 3 (18+)

The agency will evaluate if the applicant is physically and mentally able to complete a job completed in the past 15 years given one's Residual Functional Capacity Assessment (RFC). This is not if you can be hired to complete the job, but if one is generally able to complete a job. If you can complete the work, the agency will find one to not be disabled, and if you cannot then the agency will proceed to the last and final step for the applicant.

The Sequential Evaluation Process Step 4: RFC Assessment (18+)

The agency takes into consideration RFC limits, factors such as age, education, work experience, and the economic and employment status of the national economy. The agency believes one's ability to successfully complete work is greater if one is younger, has obtained more education, or has more work experience. If no work is to be found in the current national economic conditions, then the agency will find one to be disabled. 

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