# What is the Trial Work Period? Last updated Jul 19, 2026 Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/steward Published by SSDI Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license The Trial Work Period lets SSDI beneficiaries test their ability to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive, counted within a rolling 60-month window) while keeping their full SSDI check no matter how much they earn. ## What the government has said, on the record > "For example, in the SSDI program, beneficiaries who work first enter a nine-month Trial Work Period (TWP), during which their earnings generally do not affect the amount of their SSDI benefits." — **Susan Wilschke**, Associate Commissioner, Office of Research, Demonstration and Employment Support, Social Security Administration, [Testimony before the Senate Committee on Finance, hearing Work and Social Security Disability Benefits: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities](https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_061824.html), June 18, 2024. Who said this: - https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/congressionaltestimony.html *Editor's note: The monthly TWP earnings threshold changes annually ($1,160 in 2025 is the last figure verified); the 2026 amount was not verified and the quote itself states no dollar figure. The 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility is confirmed by the verified next sentence in the testimony.* The Trial Work Period lets SSDI beneficiaries test their ability to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive, counted within a rolling 60-month window) while keeping their full SSDI check no matter how much they earn. A month counts as a trial work month only if earnings exceed a threshold that SSA adjusts annually with the national average wage index ($1,160 per month in 2025; check SSA's current-year figure, as it changes every January). After the 9 months are used, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility begins, during which benefits are paid for any month earnings stay below the substantial gainful activity level. The Trial Work Period lets SSDI beneficiaries test their ability to work for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive, counted within a rolling 60-month window) while keeping their full SSDI check no matter how much they earn. ## What is the Trial Work Period? A month counts as a trial work month only if earnings exceed a threshold that SSA adjusts annually with the national average wage index ($1,160 per month in 2025; check SSA's current-year figure, as it changes every January). After the 9 months are used, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility begins, during which benefits are paid for any month earnings stay below the substantial gainful activity level. ## Where to verify See the official source cited in the quote block above, and SSA's own program pages at [ssa.gov/disability](https://www.ssa.gov/disability). Program dollar amounts change annually with the cost-of-living adjustment. ## Sources - Testimony before the Senate Committee on Finance, hearing Work and Social Security Disability Benefits: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities — https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_061824.html - SSA — Disability Benefits — https://www.ssa.gov/disability --- Canonical URL: https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/trial-work-period Publisher: SSDI Direct Answers — a product of Adolicious LLC Published: 2026-07-22T16:14:00+00:00 Modified: 2026-07-19T00:33:58.596227+00:00 License: Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license © 2026 Adolicious LLC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: SSDI Direct Answers is a private informational website. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. For official information visit ssa.gov.