The answer depends on how much money you earn. Disability Services of America is an approved Employment Network (EN), and our highly skilled case managers will make sure that your rights are protected if you go back to work.
Trial Work Period for Social Security Disability Recipients
If you are receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you will be subject to what is known as a Trial Work Period (TWP). During this period, you can test your ability to work while still receiving your benefits.
The Trial Work Period (TWP) consists of nine months, which do not need to be consecutive but must fall within a rolling 60-month period. Any month you earn above the earnings threshold set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) will count as one of your TWP months. This threshold is adjusted annually, and months with earnings below the limit will not count toward the TWP.
After completing your Trial Work Period (TWP), you transition into the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, you can continue receiving SSDI benefits as long as your earnings remain below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. The SGA threshold is updated annually. If your earnings exceed this level, your benefits may stop.
However, even if your benefits stop because your earnings exceed the SGA level, you may still be eligible for what is known as an Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits (EXR). This means that if you become unable to work again due to your disability, you can have your benefits reinstated without having to go through the application process again.
Different rules apply if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Talk to Disability Services of America Before Going Back to Work
Our experienced case managers want to help you. We will answer your questions, so you know what to expect before you return to work. Please complete our online contact form or call us directly to learn more.