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What are Work Incentives?
Social Security Work Incentives are special rules designed to help people receiving disability benefits start working, return to work, or continue working without immediately losing their benefits or health care coverage. These programs make it easier to transition into the workforce and work toward greater financial independence. One of the most important Work Incentives available to people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work while still receiving their disability benefits.
What is a Trial Work Period?
If you receive SSDI, the Trial Work Period (TWP) gives you a chance to test your ability to work without immediately losing your disability benefits. During this period, you can continue receiving your full SSDI payment regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and still meet Social Security’s disability requirements.
The TWP lasts until you accumulate nine Trial Work Period months within a rolling 60-month period. These nine months do not have to be consecutive.
For 2026, a month counts toward your TWP if you earn $1,210 or more before taxes, or if you’re self-employed and work more than 80 hours in a month. Each month that meets one of these thresholds is considered a Trial Work Period service month.
It’s important to understand that the TWP earnings threshold is different from the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. During your Trial Work Period, Social Security is only looking at whether you have reached the TWP earnings level. Later in the return-to-work process, Social Security may use the SGA limit to determine whether you remain eligible for disability benefits.
In other words, if your gross monthly earnings reach $1,210 or more in 2026, that month will generally count as one of your nine Trial Work Period months, even if you are still receiving your full SSDI benefit.
What Happens When My Trial Work Period is Completed?
After you complete your TWP, you will begin your 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). This Work Incentive is a safeguard during which time Social Security will evaluate your work and earnings based on SGA levels to determine your eligibility for benefits. In 2026, SGA is $1,690 for individuals who are not blind. If you are blind, SGA in 2026 is $2,830.
During your EPE, you will receive benefits for all months during which your work and earnings fall below SGA level and you continue to have a disabling impairment. Social Security will consider whether other Work Incentives can be applied to your situation; for example, whether the cost of certain impairment-related expenses and services that you need to work can be deducted from your gross earnings when deciding if your work is SGA.
The first time you work above SGA in the EPE, Social Security will decide that you no longer meet the requirements for disability due to work. At that point, your disability will be considered ceased. Social Security will pay benefits for the month your disability ceased and the following two months. This is the grace period. If your earnings fall below SGA and you are still in the 36-month re-entitlement period, Social Security can restart your benefits without a new application.
The Ticket to Work Program
If you’re interested in working or returning to work, Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program can provide additional support. Available to eligible individuals ages 18 through 64 who receive SSDI or SSI benefits, this free and voluntary program helps beneficiaries explore employment opportunities, build job skills, and pursue their career goals.
For over 10 years, our team has been helping individuals return to work while receiving SSI and SSDI benefits. Disability Services of America is a leading Employment Network contracted through the Social Security Administration. If you would like to maximize your benefits and secure employment through the Ticket to Work program, please call (888) 689-6760 to get started.
When we receive your ticket, we will guide you through a vocational program lasting several years with the ultimate goal of getting you a financially and personally fulfilling job. This may include educational courses, job training, or working your way into full-time employment. We submit regular progress reports to keep your benefits instated during this time.
Expedited Reinstatement
Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), acts as a safety net for people who successfully return to work and are no longer entitled to benefits
If you need to stop working because of a medical impairment that’s the same as or related to your original disabling impairment within 5 years of when your benefits stopped, EXR may make it possible for you to have your benefits start again without needing to submit a new application.
Earnings trigger a trial work period
The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows people receiving SSDI benefits to test their ability to work without immediately losing their disability status or monthly benefits. During this period, Social Security generally continues to consider you disabled, even if you are working.
The TWP ends after you accumulate nine service months within a rolling 60-month period. These nine months do not have to occur consecutively.
A month counts as a Trial Work Period service month when your earnings exceed a certain amount. In 2025, the threshold is $1,160 per month. In 2026, it increases to $1,210 per month. Any month in which your gross earnings exceed the applicable threshold counts toward your nine-month Trial Work Period.
It’s important to note that the Trial Work Period is available only to SSDI beneficiaries and does not apply to people receiving SSI benefits.