What the trial work period lets you do
The trial work period is a nine-month window during which you can work and earn money without losing your SSDI benefits. Social Security counts only nine months of work during this period, no matter how much you earn in those months. After the trial work period ends, your benefits continue but Social Security will watch your earnings more closely to see if you still meet the definition of disability.
The trial work period exists because Social Security recognizes that returning to work is a gradual process. You might need time to test whether your body or mind can handle a job before committing to full-time work. During these nine months, you keep your full benefit check every month, even if you work full-time and earn thousands of dollars.
The nine months do not have to be consecutive. You can use one month, take a break, use another month later, and the clock keeps running. This flexibility matters if your condition flares up or if you need to step back from work temporarily.
Key Takeaways
- During your nine-month trial work period, you keep your full SSDI check regardless of how much you earn in those months.
- The nine months count only the months in which you work and earn money; months you do not work do not count toward the nine.
- After the trial work period ends, Social Security moves you into the extended period of may be able to access, where your benefits stop if you earn over the monthly threshold, which is $1,550 in 2025.
- You must report your work and earnings to Social Security each month, or your benefits may stop incorrectly.
- If you return to work and then stop, you may be able to use a new trial work period later, but the rules are strict about timing.
How the nine months are counted
Social Security counts a month toward your trial work period only if you earn more than $1,090 in that month (the 2025 amount; this figure changes each year). If you earn $1,090 or less in a month, that month does not count, even though you still keep your full benefit check.
This means you could work part-time for many months and use only a few of your nine trial months. For example, if you work three months earning $2,000 each month, then take six months off, then work two more months earning $1,500 each month, you have used five trial months total. You still have four months remaining.
The trial work period is tied to your individual SSDI case, not to a calendar year. Once you use all nine months, the trial work period ends for that spell of work. If you stop working and later return to work, you may start a new trial work period, but only if enough time has passed and you meet other conditions.
What happens after your nine months end
When you finish your nine trial work months, you enter the extended period of may be able to access, which lasts 36 months. During this time, your benefits stop in any month you earn over $1,550 (the 2025 threshold; this amount changes yearly). You do not lose your benefits permanently—they straightforward pause in months when your earnings exceed the limit.
The extended period of may be able to access gives you a cushion. If you try full-time work and it does not work out, you can return to part-time work or stop working, and your benefits will resume. You do not have to go through the process process again.
After the 36-month extended period ends, Social Security will review your case. If you are still working and earning above the threshold, your benefits will end. If you have stopped working or are earning below the threshold, your benefits may continue, but Social Security will assess whether you still meet the medical definition of disability.
Reporting your work and earnings each month
You are required to tell Social Security about your work and earnings every month during your trial work period and extended period of may be able to access. You can report online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mail using Form SSA-777 (the work activity report).
Reporting is not optional. If you do not report, Social Security may stop your benefits by mistake, and you will have to ask them to restart them. The process to fix an incorrect stop can take weeks or months. Report even if you earned very little or nothing in a month—Social Security needs to know your actual earnings to calculate correctly.
Keep records of your pay stubs, invoices, or other proof of earnings. Social Security may ask to see them, especially if your reported earnings seem inconsistent with your work schedule.
Starting a new trial work period
If you complete your first trial work period, stop working, and later return to work, you may be able to start a new trial work period. However, Social Security has strict rules about when this is allowed. Generally, you must have stopped working (or worked very little) for at least 60 months before you can begin a new trial work period.
The 60-month waiting period is meant to may support that you have genuinely left the workforce and are attempting to return, rather than cycling in and out of work repeatedly. If you are unsure whether you may have access to for a new trial work period, contact Social Security directly before you start working again.
If you do not meet the 60-month requirement but you return to work anyway, you will skip the trial work period and go straight into the extended period of may be able to access. This means your benefits will stop if you earn over the monthly threshold, with no grace period of nine months at full benefit.
The difference between trial work and extended may be able to access
| Feature | Trial Work Period (9 months) | Extended Period of may be able to access (36 months) |
|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | 9 months of work (not calendar months) | 36 calendar months after trial work ends |
| Earnings threshold | $1,090 per month to count as a work month (2025) | $1,550 per month to keep benefits (2025) |
| What happens if you earn over the threshold | You keep your full benefit check | Your benefit stops that month |
| Reporting required | Yes, every month | Yes, every month |
Things that can go wrong and how to fix them
The most common problem is failing to report earnings. If you do not report, Social Security may assume you are not working and continue paying your full benefit. Then, when they discover the unreported earnings, they may demand repayment of benefits you were not supposed to receive. This creates a debt that can take years to resolve.
Another issue is confusion about the earnings thresholds. The $1,090 figure (for counting a trial work month) is different from the $1,550 figure (for the extended period). If you earn $1,200 in a month during your trial work period, that month counts toward your nine, but you still get your full benefit. If you earn $1,200 during the extended period, your benefit stops that month. Many people mix these up.
If your benefits stop incorrectly or you believe Social Security made an error, you can request a reconsideration. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Ask for a detailed explanation of how they calculated your benefits and earnings. Keep copies of all pay stubs and work reports you submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use all nine trial work months at once?
No. The nine months do not have to be consecutive. You can work for two months, take three months off, work again for four months, and you will have used six of your nine months. Only months in which you earn over $1,090 count toward the nine.
What if I earn a lot of money in one month during my trial work period?
You keep your full SSDI benefit that month, no matter how much you earn. The trial work period is designed to let you test work without financial penalty. High earnings in one month do not use up more than one of your nine months.
Can I work part-time during the extended period of may be able to access?
Yes. If you earn $1,550 or less per month during the extended period, your benefits continue. If you earn over $1,550 in a month, your benefit stops that month only. You do not lose benefits permanently—they resume the next month if your earnings drop below the threshold.
What if I become unable to work before I finish my nine trial months?
If your condition worsens and you stop working, you keep the trial work months you have already used. If you later recover enough to work again, you can resume using your remaining trial months. You do not lose them.
Do the earnings thresholds change every year?
Yes. Social Security adjusts both the $1,090 trial work threshold and the $1,550 extended period threshold each January based on inflation. Check your annual SSDI notice or call Social Security to confirm the current year's amounts.