The work activity of a person in a government-sponsored job training program must
be evaluated under the usual criteria for earnings and services as discussed in DI 10505.001 through DI 10505.020, in order to determine whether they are engaging in SGA. A decision as to whether
the work is SGA, and when such SGA may have begun, should be based on information
as to the person's “countable earnings” and performance. Workers under any of these
programs should not, therefore, be treated as a group. Rather, each case should be
evaluated on its own merits.
The “countable earnings” of a person involved in a government-sponsored job training
program are determined in the same manner as for all types of employees, as discussed
in DI 10505.001. It should be noted, however, that subsidies are frequently involved in work for
such programs. It is important, therefore, to consider this possibility and, when
appropriate, to develop thoroughly the issue of subsidy in accordance with DI 10505.010A.
If, after the issue of subsidy (and/or impairment-related work expenses (IRWE)) is
resolved, a person’s “countable earnings” are not more than the amount shown in the
SGA Earnings Guidelines, and if the work does not meet either the test of comparability
or the test of worth of work in circumstances where these tests apply (see DI 10505.020C.), the work activity will not be found to represent SGA. (See DI 10505.015 for when averaging earnings applies.)
Under some government-sponsored programs, part of the participant's time may be devoted
to on-the-job training. Whether the person's activity is all work or whether such
training is also involved, all of the SGA tests as discussed above apply.
For purposes of charging months of the trial work period (TWP), the provisions in
DI 13010.060 apply.