In the context of Social Security, what does 'substantial work' imply?

In the context of Social Security, 'substantial work' refers to employment that is not only productive but also meaningful in the sense that it is significant enough to provide a living wage and contributes to the economy. This concept is especially relevant when discussing eligibility for disability benefits, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses whether an individual's work activity demonstrates the capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Substantial work is characterized by a certain income threshold, which indicates that the work performed is both valuable and impactful. It must be regular and consistent, showing that the person is actively participating in the workforce in a manner that exceeds mere trivial or sporadic tasks. This definition excludes merely having any job or engaging in part-time work that doesn’t meet the SGA criteria. Hence, the correct answer is that substantial work means engaging in employment that is considered meaningful and productive.