Returning to work after receiving disability benefits can feel like a big step. Many people want to try working again but worry about losing the benefits they depend on.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) understands that recovery and stability look different for everyone, which is why programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility exist. By following the social security return to work rules, you can gradually move back into the workforce while still protecting your benefits.
Understanding these rules is essential. If you earn more than certain limits or fail to report your work activity properly, your benefits could be at risk. By understanding the process, you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected problems. Our experienced Richmond SSDI lawyer can walk you through the process.
What Is the Trial Work Period and How Does It Work?
The Trial Work Period (TWP) is an SSA program that allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months while still receiving your full Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, regardless of how much you earn.
Here’s how it works:
- Duration: The TWP consists of nine months. These nine months do not need to be consecutive; they can be spread out over a 60-month (five-year) period.
- What Counts as a Trial Work Month: A month is counted as a trial work month if your gross earnings exceed a specific threshold. For 2025, this amount is $1,160 per month.
- Benefit Status: During the TWP, the SSA will not consider your work as “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA). This means your SSDI benefits will continue without interruption, even if your earnings are very high.
- Purpose: The purpose of the TWP is to provide a safety net, giving you a risk-free way to explore employment and see if you can manage a return to the workforce without the fear of immediately losing your benefits.
After you have completed nine trial work months, the TWP ends. From that point, the SSA will evaluate your work activity and earnings to determine your eligibility for continued benefits.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): What It Means for Your Benefits
Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, is the amount of money you can earn per month that the SSA considers enough to show you’re able to support yourself. If your earnings are above the SGA limit, the SSA will generally determine that you are no longer disabled and will stop your disability benefits.
The SGA amount is a specific dollar figure that changes most years to account for inflation. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,650 per month for individuals who are not blind. For individuals who are statutorily blind, the limit is higher, at $2,760 per month. It’s important to remember that this is based on your gross earnings (before taxes and other deductions), not your take-home pay.
The SGA rule doesn’t apply during your nine-month Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, you can earn any amount of money and still receive your full disability benefits. The SGA earnings limit only becomes a factor after you have completed your Trial Work Period.
Following the TWP, if you earn more than the SGA amount in any given month, your eligibility for benefits in that month will be at risk, potentially leading to the termination of your benefits.
The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): How Long Can You Keep Benefits?
Immediately following your nine-month Trial Work Period, you enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During these 36 consecutive months, the social security return to work rules provide flexibility.
Here’s how it works:
- For any month during the EPE that your earnings fall below the SGA level, you will receive your full SSDI benefit.
- For any month your earnings are over the SGA level, you will not receive a benefit.
This 36-month window allows you to continue working without completely losing your connection to SSDI. If your income drops back below the SGA level at any point during the EPE, you can receive benefits again without having to file a new application. After the EPE ends, your benefits will be terminated in the first month your earnings are over the SGA limit.
Reporting Requirements When You Start Working Again
When you receive Social Security disability benefits, one of your most important responsibilities is to report any work activity to the SSA right away. This means you must tell them as soon as you start a job, even if it’s only part-time or you don’t earn much.
This rule also applies if you start your own business. It’s always better to report your work and let the SSA determine how it affects your benefits.
You need to provide the SSA with specific details about your job. This includes your employer, start date, and salary. You should also be prepared to submit your pay stubs regularly. Keeping the SSA updated with accurate information about your hours and monthly earnings allows them to apply the rules and calculate your benefits properly.
Reporting your work is crucial because it helps you avoid a situation called an “overpayment.” An overpayment happens when the SSA pays you benefits for a month when you shouldn’t have received them, usually because your earnings were too high.
If this happens, you will be required to pay that money back, which can cause significant financial difficulty. Prompt reporting ensures you only receive the benefits you are truly owed.
How to Avoid Losing Benefits Too Soon
Many people worry about losing benefits before they are ready. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Understand the Thresholds. Know the current monthly amounts for a trial work month and SGA.
- Report Everything. Promptly and accurately report all work and earnings to the SSA.
- Track Your Earnings. Carefully track your earnings to ensure you know whether you’re above or below the SGA limit.
- Use Work Incentives. Like impairment-related work expense deductions, which can reduce your countable income.
- Communicate With the SSA. This will help avoid misunderstandings or overpayments.
- Seek Professional Advice. The rules are complicated and subject to change. Consulting with an expert can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Contact an Experienced Richmond SSDI Lawyer
The social security return to work rules are complex, and a misstep can cost you your benefits.
If you are considering a return to work while on SSDI, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
At Hunter | Everage, our experienced Social Security disability lawyers can help you understand your rights, meet your reporting obligations, and create a strategy for re-entering the workforce without risking your financial security.
Contact us at 704-377-9157 to request a consultation to discuss your situation and ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.