Understanding Trial Work Periods and Income Limits.
Hello,
Many people ask: “If I start feeling better, can I try working without losing my Social Security Disability benefits?”
The short answer is yes—but there are rules to protect your benefits. The Social Security Administration offers work incentives designed to help people transition back into the workforce. Here are three rules to follow:
Trial Work Period (TWP)
You can test your ability to work for at least 9 months and still receive your full disability benefits, no matter how much you earn, as long as you report your work and remain medically disabled.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
After the trial period, the SSA reviews your monthly earnings. In 2026, the general SGA limit for non-blind individuals is about $1,620 per month. Earning more than this amount may affect your benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility
After your trial work period, you have a 36-month window where you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the SGA limit.
Understanding these rules is important. Incorrect income reporting or missed deadlines can lead to overpayments or denied benefits. At CDAoffices, we help you understand your rights so you can focus on your health and your future.
No comments:
Post a Comment