Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Incentives
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Incentives
When you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other Title II benefits, you have many work incentives available to support your employment efforts and ensure you don’t lose your benefits prematurely.
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When you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other Title II benefits, you have many work incentives available to support your employment efforts and ensure you don’t lose your benefits prematurely.
What are SSDI benefits?
SSDI benefits are for individuals with enough qualifying work history who meet Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of a disability or blindness. SSDI work incentives may apply to you if you receive any of the following Title II benefits:
- SSDI
- Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB)
- Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits (DWB)
How do SSDI work incentives help me?
Work incentives under SSDI benefits come in phases. These phases are activated when your earnings reach certain levels, and they occur in a specific order.
- SSI-Disabled
- SSI-Blind
- SSI-Aged
| Trial Work Period (TWP) → |
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) → |
Expedited Reinstatement(EXR) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 months within a rolling 5-year period | 3 years | 5 years |
1. Trial Work Period (TWP)
The Trial Work Period (TWP) is the first phase available. When your earnings reach the TWP level, you will begin to use your TWP months. The TWP continues until 9 TWP months accumulate within a rolling 60-month period (5 years).
During the TWP you receive a FULL monthly SSDI check! What a great way to test your ability to work! No other work incentives apply during the TWP. You only have one TWP to use.
2. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) is a 3-year period that starts the month after your TWP ends. When your countable earnings are above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you are not entitled to an SSDI check. When earnings are below SGA you are entitled to an SSDI check.
SGA $1,620 in 2025
SGA is a level of monthly earnings that SSA decides. This level typically changes each year. It’s important to know that SGA is not a limit. The SSDI program has work incentives that allow SSA to count less of your earned income. This means you may be able to earn above SGA and still receive your SSDI!
Grace Period
After the TWP, for the first 3 months that your countable earnings are above SGA, you can still receive your SSDI check! This is called the Grace Period.
3. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
EXR is a 5-year period after your SSDI terminates due to work and earnings. During this time, if you need to stop or reduce work below SGA due to your disability, you can reinstate your Title II benefits without having to reapply!
What’s the Bottom Line?
SSDI work incentives allow you to try work out for a long period of time and still receive your full SSDI check. They also allow you to remain eligible for SSDI even if your countable earnings are above SGA! This means if you have to stop or reduce your work efforts, your SSDI will be there for you.
Need help with this information?
DRC WIPA Intake phone number: 888-768-7058
Ticket to Work Helpline: 866-968-7842
This factsheet is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication. We publish this factsheet at U.S. taxpayer expense.