Trial Work Period Explained: 9 Months to Test Working
TL;DR: The SSDI trial work period lets you test your ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits. In 2026, a trial work month is any month you earn over $1,110 or work 80+ self-employed hours. The 9 months can be spread over a 60-month window. After the trial work period, different rules apply. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79.
In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you are blind). Earning above this amount generally means SSA considers you able to work. The Trial Work Period lets you test your ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits. During this period, you receive full SSDI payments regardless of how much you earn. If you want to try working but are afraid of losing benefits, look into the Ticket to Work program. It provides employment support services at no cost and includes built-in safety nets.
Trial Work Period Rules
| Detail | 2026 Rule |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) |
| Earnings trigger | $1,110/month |
| Self-employment trigger | 80 hours/month |
| Rolling window | 60 months |
| Benefits during TWP | Full SSDI payment continues |
| Earnings cap during TWP | None (earn any amount) |
Getting trial Work Period Rules right makes a difference. Once you are receiving SSDI, you can work and earn any amount during your trial work period without losing a single dollar of benefits.
How It Works
Once you are receiving SSDI, you can work and earn any amount during your trial work period without losing a single dollar of benefits. Each month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month. After you use all 9 months within a 60-month rolling window, the trial work period ends.
After the Trial Work Period
After your 9 trial work months, you enter the 36-month extended period of eligibility (EPE). During the EPE:
- Months you earn above SGA ($1,620): no SSDI payment
- Months you earn below SGA: full SSDI payment
- After the 36-month EPE: any month above SGA permanently ends benefits (though expedited reinstatement may be available)
In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you are blind). Earning above this amount generally means SSA considers you able to work. The Trial Work Period lets you test your ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits. During this period, you receive full SSDI payments regardless of how much you earn. If you want to try working but are afraid of losing benefits, look into the Ticket to Work program. It provides employment support services at no cost and includes built-in safety nets.
Reporting Requirements
You must report all work activity and earnings to SSA during and after the trial work period. Use your my Social Security account, the SSA mobile app, or call 1-800-772-1213.
Report any changes within 10 days of the change occurring. This includes starting or stopping work, changes in your medical condition, moving to a new address, or receiving other benefits. You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local SSA office. Keep a record of what you reported and when. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments. SSA will recover overpayments by withholding future benefits, and in some cases, overpayments can reach thousands of dollars.
Understanding the Details
The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) threshold determines whether SSA considers you able to work. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. If you earn above SGA, SSA generally considers you not disabled. However, certain expenses related to your disability (called Impairment-Related Work Expenses) can be deducted from your earnings before SSA compares them to the SGA limit.
SSA offers several work incentive programs designed to help SSDI recipients test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The Trial Work Period lets you work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) while receiving full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much you earn. After the trial work period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility where your benefits are suspended for months you earn above SGA but can be reinstated if your earnings drop below SGA.
Self-employment while on SSDI follows different rules than traditional employment. SSA evaluates self-employment using three tests: significant services, substantial income, and comparability. If your net earnings exceed SGA and you provide significant services to the business, SSA may find you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. Tracking your hours and business activities carefully helps you stay on the right side of the rules.
The Ticket to Work program is a free, voluntary program that provides employment support services to SSDI recipients. When you assign your Ticket to an Employment Network (EN) or state vocational rehabilitation agency, you receive job placement help, career counseling, and training. While your Ticket is in use and you are making timely progress, SSA will not conduct a Continuing Disability Review, which provides additional protection against losing benefits.
Get Approved First
The trial work period only applies after SSDI approval. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79 by building SSA-compliant documents for your initial application.
Start your ClaimPath application today.
Related Resources
What to Do Next
- Check the current SGA threshold at ssa.gov before accepting any work. Earning above this limit can trigger a review of your disability status.
- Contact your local Ticket to Work program to explore supported employment options that include benefit protections.
- Report any work activity to SSA within 10 days of starting. Unreported work, even below SGA, can create problems later.
- Keep detailed records of any work accommodations you need. These records support your continued eligibility if SSA reviews your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SSDI trial work period work?
The SSDI trial work period lets you test your ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits. In 2026, a trial work month is any month you earn over $1,110 or work 80+ self-employed hours. The 9 months can be spread over a 60-month window.
How It Works?
Once you are receiving SSDI, you can work and earn any amount during your trial work period without losing a single dollar of benefits. Each month you earn over $1,110 counts as a trial work month. After you use all 9 months within a 60-month rolling window, the trial work period ends.
What are the requirements for reporting requirements?
You must report all work activity and earnings to SSA during and after the trial work period. Use your my Social Security account, the SSA mobile app, or call 1-800-772-1213. Report any changes within 10 days of the change occurring, including starting or stopping work, changes in your medical condition, moving to a new address, or receiving other benefits.
Can I get approved for SSDI before the trial work period?
The trial work period only applies after SSDI approval. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79 by building SSA-compliant documents for your initial application.