What is a disability trial work period?
The trial work period allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months. During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period. In 2005, any month in which you earn $590 or more counts as one of the trial work months. For 2004, this amount was $580. After your trial work period ends, we then look at your earnings to determine whether you are working at a level we consider substantial. If you are, your cash benefits will stop. In 2005, average monthly earnings of $830 are considered substantial. For 2004, the amount was $810. There are different limits for people disabled because of blindness. If you continue to work, there are other rules that allow you to receive benefits. For 36 months following completion
The trial work period allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months. During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period. In 2008, any month in which you earn $670 or more counts as one of the trial work months. For 2007, this amount is $640. After your trial work period ends, we then look at your earnings to determine whether you are working at a level we consider substantial. If you are, your cash benefits will stop. In 2008, average monthly earnings of $940 are considered substantial. For 2007, the amount was $900. There are different limits for people disabled because of blindness. If you continue to work, there are other rules that allow you to receive benefits. For 36 months following completion
The trial work period (TWP) allows disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months. During the TWP, Social Security beneficiaries may earn any amount and receive full Social Security Disability benefits. In 2000, earnings of $200 in a month count as a trial work month. Effective January 1, 2001 a new rule increases that amount to $530 per month and links annual changes to increases in the national average wage index. The amount is $560, effective January 2002. After completion of nine trial work months, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level is used to determine whether earnings are substantial or not. If earnings fall below the SGA level, full benefits generally continue. If earnings are higher than the SGA level, cash benefits are normally suspended while medical benefits continue. Beginning January 1, 2001 a Social Security Disability SGA level is $740 a month. This amount will be automatically adjusted annually based on increases in the nationa
The trial work period allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months. During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period. In 2009, any month in which you earn $700 or more counts as one of the trial work months. For 2008, this amount is $670. After your trial work period ends, we then look at your earnings to determine whether you are working at a level we consider substantial. If you are, your cash benefits will stop. In 2009, average monthly earnings of $980 are considered substantial. For 2008, the amount is $940. There are different limits for people disabled because of blindness. If you continue to work, there are other rules that allow you to receive benefits. For 36 months following completion o
