SSDI Work Phases: Trial Work Period

Did you know working can impact your eligibility for disability benefits like SSDI? But what exactly happens to your benefit as you work can be complicated. This article is the first our series explaining what to expect when you start working and receive SSDI. Keep reading to learn more!

SSDI has three work phases: the Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), and Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). Beneficiaries move through each phase as they work. This article focuses on the first phase, the Trial Work Period. Please keep in mind that the information in this article only applies to SSDI. If you receive SSI, the rules are different.

Beginning to Work

When a beneficiary begins working, they may or may not be in their Trial Work Period yet. You only begin your Trial Work Period when your gross earnings (earnings before taxes) are above the Trial Work Period threshold amount. In 2026, this amount is $1,210 per month, but the amount generally increases every year. If your earnings haven’t been more than $1,210 per month, you have not started your Trial Work Period yet. If you never earn above the Trial Work Period amount, you never start the Trial Work Period. Before the Trial Work Period begins, beneficiaries keep their earnings from work, their full SSDI check, and Medicare continues. If you’re not sure if you’ve started your Trial Work Period yet, you can call Social Security to request a document called a BPQY that will tell you; Northwest Access Fund can help you understand your BPQY if needed.

Entering the Trial Work Period

Once a beneficiary earns at least the Trial Work Period amount in a month, the Trial Work Period begins, and they use the first Trial Work Period month. You get nine Trial Work Period months. Once you start using Trial Work Period months, you have a five year rolling window to use them all before moving to the next work phase. The nine Trial Work Period months do not have to be consecutive. This means that any month you earn above the Trial Work Period amount counts as a Trial Work Period month and any month you earn less than the Trial Work Period amount does not count as a Trial Work Period month. While in the Trial Work Period, you can earn any amount of money and still receive your SSDI check in addition to your earnings. You also stay eligible for Medicare throughout your Trial Work Period.

Reporting Wages

Regardless of how much you earn, it’s a good idea always report your wages to Social Security. You’ll also need to let Social Security know when you first start working. Social Security will use the earnings you report to determine if you’ve used any Trial Work Period months. If you don’t report your wages, you may end up with an overpayment later on.

If you need help understanding what will happen to your benefits when you start working, a Certified Benefits Planner at Northwest Access Fund can help!