What is the Trial Work Period (TWP)?
If you receive SSDI, your TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During your TWP, you'll receive full SSDI benefit payments, no matter how much you earn — when you report your work activity and continue to meet Social Security's rules for disability. The TWP continues until you accumulate nine TWP service months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period.
Social Security uses the amount you have earned in a month before subtracting taxes, to decide if a month counts toward your TWP. In 2025, if you earn $1,160 or more, or work more than 80 hours in self-employment in a month you're considered to have worked a TWP "service month," which is counted toward your TWP. After you complete your TWP, you will begin the next phase of employment known as your Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
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