Thinking about Trying to Return to Work but Afraid You Might Lose Your Social Security Disability Benefits? Learn about the “Trial Work Period” under the SSA Rules and Regulations
While some disabled Social Security Disability recipients rely solely on their Social Security Disability benefits check for all of their necessary living expenses, some disabled individuals who receive these important benefits may still think about returning to work. Indeed, with the cost of things rising, with a passion for a certain job, and with the gumption to reenter the workforce, some disabled Social Security Disability benefits recipients have good reason to want to work a little bit. However, as many Social Security Disability benefits recipients likely know, any work activity that an individual who received Social Security Disability benefits does could potentially impact their eligibility to remain on the program. But can a Social Security Disability recipient receive SSD benefits and attempt to return to work, without losing their benefits? We discuss this important question here.
“Trial Work Period” under the Social Security Administration’s Rules and Regulations
The Social Security Administration has specific rules and regulations that are applicable to Social Security Disability recipients who wish to attempt to return to work. The Social Security Administration establishes that “You can return to work for at least 9 months and still get your full Disability payment. We call this a ‘trial work period.’” The SSA continues on to explain that “In 2025, any month you earn over $1,160 before taxes will count towards this trial. The months don’t need to be consecutive, just within a rolling 5-year period. There’s no limit on how much you can earn during the 9 months.” In addition, the SSA also has what is called an “extended period of eligibility.” According to the SSA, “After your 9-month work trial, there’s a 36-month period called an ‘extended period of eligibility’ (EPE) where you can work and still get Disability. The EPE earnings limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month, or $2,700 if you get Disability due to blindness. If you exceed the earnings limit in any month, you won’t be eligible for a Disability payment for that month.” It is important to note that the Social Security Administration also mandates that “After your [extended period of eligibility], if you keep earning over the limit, your benefit will typically end.” Accordingly, it is important for Social Security Disability benefits recipients to keep these important rules in mind, in order to prevent losing eligibility to SSD benefits.
Getting Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case – Social Security Disability Lawyer
No person should have to navigate the complex Social Security Administration rules and regulations without the help of an experienced legal advocate. If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled Americans get important Social Security Disability benefits due to them. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
ssa.gov/disability/work
