Social Security Disability And Trial Work Months: You are allowed to WorkSocial Security Disability beneficiaries are allowed to work and still receive their disability benefits. Of course, there are guidelines that determine how their work activity will affect their entitlement to disability benefits. If an individual wants to try to work, Social Security encourages them to do so with trial work months, an extended period of eligibility, and even a process called expedited reinstatements. For the purposes of this discussion, we will talk about trial work months. All Social Security Disability beneficiaries are entitled to nine trial work months in which they can earn anything they want without it affecting their disability eligibility. The trick to trial work months is that the nine months do not have to occur consecutively. Trial work months can occur anytime during a sixty-month period. As I stated, trial work months can be any amount of money but there is always a minimum amount of earnings that qualify a month as a trial work month. If an individual is self-employed, it is a net monthly amount of earnings, or hours of self-employment work performed, each month that qualify as a self-employment trial work month. An individual should keep track of any months that they earn the minimum amount needed to qualify as a trial work month (they can find out what the trial work month amount is by contacting Social Security). Since all Social Security Disability beneficiaries are required to report their work activity, there should be no problem as to finding out how many trial work months an individual has worked. Each time a disability beneficiary reports work activity, Social Security evaluates if they have used any of their trial work months. And each time Social Security does a review of an individual's work, they send a notice informing them of how many trial work months they have used. So, as long as an individual reports their work activity, they should be able to keep track of how many trial work months they have used. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Is it hard to get disability in NC? Are You Allowed to Work While Receiving Social Security Disability or SSI? What is an unsuccessful work attempt? If my medical condition keeps me from working will I get Social Security Disability? Can't Work In My Old Job, How Does Social Security Disability Consider This? Social Security Disability And Trial Work Months: You are allowed to Work Medical Disability - How does Social Security view your work and medical records Is there a Maximum I can Work and Make if I am on SSD or SSI Disability Benefits? Working while getting Disability - Is it Possible? Can You Work While You Appeal Your Social Security Disability Decision? How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)? Can I work without it affecting my Social Security Disability or SSI? What happens if you are working when you file for disability or work after you apply for disability? Will working part-time affect my SSD? Working while on Social Security Disability and Not Reporting What is SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)? If I Apply For Disability And Go Back To Work, Do I Need To Report This? Are you allowed to work at all if you get Social Security Disability or SSI? Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Minnesota? If you apply for disability in Minnesota |
