- TO:
- ALL COUNTY OFFICES
- FROM:
- ALYSON CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
- 2013 INCREASE IN SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (SGA)
- MANUAL REVISION #54
- 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, 2013 the monthly SGA amount for 2013 for statutorily blind individuals is $1740. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2013 is $1040.
The Income Maintenance policy manual section: Appendix D has been updated to reflect this change.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
VB