1. The Trial Work Period (TWP)

SSA offers a Trial Work Period (TWP), allowing you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without losing your SSDI benefits. During these months:

• You receive your full SSDI payment regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your income and continue to meet disability requirements.
• In 2025, any month you earn more than $1,110 (before taxes) counts as a TWP month.
• The nine months do not need to be consecutive, but must occur within a rolling 60-month (5-year) period.

2. What Happens After TWP Ends?

After completing your TWP:

• You enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), lasting 36 months.
• During EPE, you can still receive SSDI benefits for any month your income is below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
• For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.

3. Exceeding SGA After TWP

If your earnings are consistently above the SGA level after TWP and EPE, SSA may determine you are no longer eligible for SSDI benefits due to your ability to engage in substantial work.

However:

• You may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) if your condition forces you to stop working again within five years. This allows your benefits to restart quickly without filing a new application.

4. Reporting Your Work Activity

It’s essential to:

• Report any work income or changes in work status to SSA immediately to avoid overpayments or penalties.
• Keep records of your pay stubs, hours worked, and any accommodations made by your employer.

5. Work Incentive Programs

SSA offers additional programs, such as:

• Ticket to Work, which provides free employment services and vocational rehabilitation while you keep your benefits during the transition to work.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), which may allow you to deduct certain disability-related expenses from your income when determining SGA.