- TO:
- ALL COUNTY OFFICES
- FROM:
- ALYSON CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
- 2012 INCREASE IN SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITIY (SGA)
- MANUAL REVISION #5
- APPENDIX D
DISCUSSION:
To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, a claimant must
be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically
determinable physical or mental impairment. The amount of monthly earnings
that generally demonstrate engagement in SGA is determined by the Social
Security Administration. The Medical Review Team (MRT) uses Social Security’s
methodology on SGA for determining disability. Refer to Income Maintenance
Manual Sections 1060.005.10,
Submitting Information on New Applicants to MRT, and 1060.005.15,
Submitting Information on Cases Previously Reviewed by MRT, for additional
information.
The amount of monthly earnings considered as SGA depends on the nature of
a person's disability. The Social Security Act specifies a higher SGA amount
for statutorily blind individuals; federal regulations specify a lower SGA
amount for non-blind individuals. Both SGA amounts generally change with
changes in the national average
wage index.
Effective January 1, 2012 the monthly SGA amount for 2012 for statutorily blind individuals is $1690. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2012 is $1010.
The Income Maintenance policy manual section: Appendix D has been updated to reflect this change.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.