Many individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) wonder if they can return to work without losing their benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has programs designed to encourage recipients to try working while maintaining a safety net.
The trial work period
The SSA offers a trial work period (TWP) for SSDI beneficiaries. This program allows individuals to test their ability to work without worrying about losing benefits. During a TWP, beneficiaries can work for nine months within a 60-month rolling period while still receiving their full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much they earn. However, the SSA tracks income, and any month where earnings exceed the set threshold counts as a TWP month.
What happens after the trial work period?
After the trial work period, beneficiaries enter a 36-month extended period of eligibility (EPE). During this time, SSDI benefits continue for any month where earnings do not exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,470 for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. If earnings exceed the SGA limit during the EPE, benefits may stop, but they can resume if earnings drop below the threshold.
Expedited reinstatement of benefits
If SSDI benefits stop because of work and the individual becomes unable to work again, they may qualify for expedited reinstatement. This program allows beneficiaries to have their benefits restarted without filing a new application. The SSA provides up to six months of temporary benefits while reviewing the reinstatement request.
Additional work incentives
The SSA also offers additional incentives, such as impairment-related work expenses (IRWE). These expenses reduce countable income for beneficiaries with disabilities who incur costs necessary for work, such as transportation or certain equipment.
Understanding these rules can help individuals navigate the transition back to work while protecting their SSDI benefits.