First Step in Determining Tulsa SSI Eligibility

A claimant is found to be "not disabled" if that person is working, and the work constitutes substantial gainful activity ("SGA"). In order for work to be considered as SGA, it must be both "substantial" and "gainful." Substantial work is work activity that involves doing significant physical or mental activities. Even part-time work can be a "substantial" activity. "Gainful" work activity is work that is usually done for pay or profit, whether or not you actually realized a profit.

Step 1

Are you engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity?

A. An employee

If you are an employee of someone else, and you are making more than $900 per month, this is generally considered SGA. It still may not be SGA if you are in a sheltered work environment or part of the money paid is not for work performed. However, this amount of income will generally be found to be SGA. If you are making less than $300 per month, it will generally be found to not be SGA. If your income is between $300 and $900 per month, the Social Security Administration considers other factors to determine if the work was SGA.

B. Self-employed persons

Since the profits from self employment or farming may not be related to the effort that was given in the physical or mental activities, the profit or income from those activities will not determine whether the work was SGA. For such persons, the Social Security Administration will attempt to determine the "value" of your work to the business, regardless of the profit you made. If the value of your work was more than $900 per month, it will be determined to be SGA, even if the business or farm operated at a loss.

C. Sheltered work environments

Persons working in a sheltered environment may be paid more than the actual value of their work. In such situations, the Social Security Administration must determine the "reasonable worth" of the work performed, instead of the actual amount paid. If the reasonable worth of the work is more than $900 per month, it will be considered to be SGA.

D. Other income

Income from other sources, such as investments or rent, is not generally considered in the determination as to SGA, unless such income is as a result of your experience, skills, supervision and responsibilities.

If you are not engaging in SGA, you may be eligible for Tulsa OK SSI. If you have any questions about whether you qualify for Tulsa SSI, please contact a Tulsa social security disability attorney today.