I pulled this info from SSA & ask for some help understanding it.
INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSTANTIAL WORK
Generally, substantial work is physical or mental work a person is paid to do. Work can be substantial even if it is part-time. To decide if a person's work is substantial, we consider the nature of the job duties, the skills and experience needed to do the job, and how much the person actually earns.
Usually, we find that work is substantial if gross earnings average over $500 per month after we deduct allowable amounts. This monthly amount is higher for Social Security disability benefits due to blindness.
A person's work may be different than before their health problems began. It may not be as hard to do and the pay may be less. However, we may still find that the work is substantial under our rules.
If a person is self-employed, we consider the kind and value of their work, including their part in the management of the business, as well as income, to decide if the work is substantial.
Susan Harding,
Regional Commissioner
Enc: SSA Pub. No. 05-10058 & 05-11008.

