1997 SGA Amount for the Blind

1998 SGA Amount for the Blind

Effective January 1, 1998, the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount for persons receiving Social Security disability benefits based on blindness is $1,050.00. This represents an increase over the amount in 1997, which was $1000.00 per month. The nonblind SGA amount remains at $500 per month.

It is important to remember that beginning in 1997, the blind SGA amount is no longer tied to the over-age 65 retirement earnings test. That amount will rise significantly over the next four years based on legislation signed in March 1996, until it reaches $30,000 per year in 2002.

Although de-coupled from the retirement earnings test, the blind SGA amount continues by law to be adjusted annually based on the national average wage index.