Unsuccessful Work Attempt

Ordinarily, work activity is not considered substantial gainful activity (SGA) if the disabling impairment(s) forces an applicant for Social Security Disability benefits to stop working or reduce the amount of work activity below the substantial gainful activity earnings level ($1,260 in 2019) within six (6) months of attempting to return to work. There must be a significant break in the continuity of work before SSA will consider that a work activity began that later proved to be unsuccessful. If an applicant is out of work for at least 30 consecutive days, that will be considered a significant break.