Trial Work Period

If you are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits but feel as though your medical condition has improved enough to return to work, then the Trial Work Period may be for you!

A trial work period may be utilized by those who are currently receiving disability benefits but are interested in returning to the workforce. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows for a 9-month trial period in which you may test your ability to work.

During this time, you will still be considered disabled and receive benefit payments as usual. It is only upon completion of those 9 months that the Social Security disability benefits will cease. The trial work period can run for a 60-month period (5 years), and it is not required that the 9 months be completed consecutively. In fact, a month only counts toward your trial work period if your earnings for that month exceed $850.

Example:

Although you have worked 5 months, only 2 of those months count towards the trial work period. In both February and May, earnings were equal to or greater than $850. Therefore, those two months would count towards the 9-month trial work period limit.

The trial work period is a great option for individuals who believe their disability has improved enough to go back to work. This allows you to earn a living without jeopardizing your disability benefits. If you find the work to be tasking and are unable to thrive in the work environment due to your medical condition, you may stop the trial work period and continue receiving benefits without penalty. However, if you are successful in your reentry to the work force, then you may continue on this path (but will no longer be awarded SSDI)!

Veterans interested in applying for VA Disability Compensation or Social Security Disability with the help of Victory Disability should call 1-866-350-7229. To determine if you are eligible for SSDI benefits, complete the Social Security Disability Evaluation.