Claiming Rules
Understanding the SSDI Trial Work Period Rules and Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026
The short answer
SSDI Trial Work Period allows disabled beneficiaries to test work ability for up to 9 months while still receiving benefits. During this period, earnings do not affect disability status. However, only one trial work period is permitted per period of entitlement. The trial work period begins with the month of entitlement and ends after 9 service months or upon improvement in the beneficiary's impairment.
What is the SSDI Trial Work Period?
The trial work period allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work while still being considered disabled. This period includes up to 9 months of services, which do not need to be consecutive, within a 60-consecutive-month period. During the trial work period, earnings will not affect the beneficiary's disability status as per 20 CFR 404.1592.
20 CFR 404.1592 View source ›Definition of 'Services' During the Trial Work Period
Services are activities done for pay or profit in employment or self-employment deemed as attempts to work by the SSA. Services exclude work performed as therapy or as unpaid training, non-remunerative tasks, or volunteer work in specific federal programs (20 CFR 404.1592(b)).
20 CFR 404.1592 View source ›Eligibility and Limitations
Beneficiaries eligible for a trial work period include those received disability insurance benefits, child benefits based on disability, or widow(er)'s benefits based on disability. A person may be limited if they complete tasks showing substantial gainful activity during a waiting period or early onset period (20 CFR 404.1592).
20 CFR 404.1592 View source ›Start and End of the Trial Work Period
The trial work period starts with the month of entitlement filing and concludes after the ninth month of service performance, within 60 months, or if medical evidence indicates that disability no longer exists (HBK 0522).
HBK 0522 View source ›Limitations in the Trial Work Period
Only one trial work period is allowed per entitlement period as detailed in HBK 0520. If during the trial period, medical findings are presented showing recovery, benefits may end before the ninth month is completed.
HBK 0520 View source ›Frequently asked
What happens if my condition improves during the TWP?
If your condition improves, your benefits may end before completing the ninth month of the trial work period as specified in HBK 0520.
How many months can I work during the TWP?
You can perform remunerative work for up to 9 months within a 60-month period as part of the trial work period according to 20 CFR 404.1592.
What defines a month of work during TWP?
A month counts towards your trial work period if your monthly earnings in 2026 were above $1,210 or involved over 80 hours in self-employment.
Who is entitled to a TWP?
Individuals receiving disability benefits, child's benefits, or widow(er)'s benefits are generally entitled to a trial work period under 20 CFR 404.1592(d).
Can I have more than one trial work period?
No, only one trial work period is allowed for each period of entitlement as per HBK 0520.