The trial work period allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months.  During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment and you report your work activity.  The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period.

In 2009, any month in which you earn $700 or more counts as one of the trial work months. For 2008, this amount is $670.

After your trial work period ends, we then look at your earnings to determine whether you are working at a level we consider substantial.  If you are, your cash benefits will stop. In 2009, average monthly earnings of $980 are considered substantial. For 2008, the amount is $940.  There are different limits for people disabled because of blindness.

If you continue to work, there are other rules that allow you to receive benefits. For 36 months following completion of the trial work period, you can receive your full Social Security disability benefit for any month in which your earnings fall below the “substantial” level.  You can find more information about available work incentives in our leaflet.