Returning to work after a period of disability is a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. Many people worry about losing their benefits, especially if their attempt to work doesn’t go as planned.
But what if you could ease back into employment with a safety net in place? That’s exactly what Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) work incentives are designed to do—they provide a bridge between relying on benefits and regaining financial independence.
Work incentives are about maintaining benefits while you attempt to work. They offer a framework that supports your efforts to return to work, including trial periods, special exceptions, and ongoing benefits during your transition. These programs reflect an understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and aim to provide a realistic path back to employment.
At Hunter | Everage, our experienced Richmond social security disability lawyers understand the complexities of SSDI benefits and the work incentive programs that accompany them. Our expertise in this field has helped many navigate these waters successfully, and we’re here to guide you through each step. Whether you are just starting to consider going back to work or you are already in the process but need some guidance, our team is equipped to assist.
What Are SSDI Work Incentives and How Do They Work?
SSDI work incentive programs were created by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help people receiving disability benefits explore returning to work. These programs are designed to make the process less stressful by allowing you to test your ability to work while still keeping your benefits for some time.
The goal of SSDI work incentive programs is to give you the confidence to try working again without the fear of immediately losing your financial support. They offer tools like trial work periods, extended eligibility, and access to services like job training.
These programs aim to help you take small steps toward financial independence, ensuring you have the support you need along the way.
The Trial Work Period: Testing Your Ability to Work
The Trial Work Period (TWP) gives you the chance to try working again without worrying about losing your SSDI benefits.
During the TWP, you can work for up to nine months within 60 months. These don’t have to be consecutive months, so you have some flexibility. In 2025, any month where your earnings are over $1,160 will count as a trial work month.
This program is a great way to see if you’re ready to return to work or handle more hours, all while keeping the financial support you rely on. It’s risk-free and gives you time to decide if working full-time or part-time is right for you.
Extended Period of Eligibility: Maintaining Benefits While Working
After beneficiaries finish the TWP, they transition into the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), during which the SSA evaluates work activity based on the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) guidelines.
This phase starts right after your Trial Work Period and lasts for 36 months. During this time, you can still receive SSDI benefits in any month if your earnings are below a certain amount—this is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for most people. If you earn less than that in a month, you’ll continue to get your full SSDI benefits. If your earnings go over the limit, your benefits may stop temporarily, but they can start again if your income drops below the SGA.
This program ensures you don’t lose your financial support too quickly as you adjust to working. It’s a helpful safety net that gives you time to figure out what works best for you.
How the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit Affects Your Benefits
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is an important part of how the Social Security Administration decides if you’re eligible to keep receiving SSDI benefits while working.
In simple terms, the SGA limit is the maximum amount of money you can earn each month and still qualify for disability benefits.
If your earnings stay below the SGA limit, you’ll continue to receive your SSDI benefits, even if you’re working. However, if your income goes over the limit after your Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility, your benefits may stop. The Social Security Administration will look at your monthly earnings to determine if your work is considered “substantial.”
The SGA limit ensures you have a clear benchmark while exploring your ability to work. If your income exceeds the limit but later drops, you might qualify to have your benefits restarted through a process called expedited reinstatement. This gives you some flexibility and peace of mind as you move forward.
The Role of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in SSDI Work Incentives
Vocational Rehabilitation Services play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities return to work through the SSDI work incentives program. These services are designed to provide the necessary support to ease the transition into the workforce.
Here’s how they can help:
- Job Training: Vocational Rehabilitation offers specific training to help you gain new skills or improve existing ones, making you more competitive in the job market.
- Career Counseling: These services help you understand your career options and set realistic employment goals. Counselors work with you to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Job Placement Assistance: Vocational Rehabilitation can help with job searches, connecting you with potential employers, and even with interview preparation.
Contact an Experienced Richmond SSDI Lawyer
We know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, struggling, and unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’re committed to helping the hard-working, the determined, and those who feel like they’ve run out of options.
With over 35 years of combined experience, our team has the knowledge and expertise to handle the complexities of SSDI cases.
Whether it’s understanding the nuances of SSDI work incentives or fighting for the benefits you deserve, we’ve been here for people just like you.
If you’re ready to take the next step or just need someone to help you figure out where to start, Hunter | Everage is here for you. Our experienced SSDI attorneys are waiting for your call in Richmond, Virginia. Contact us at 704-377-9157 for your free consultation.