The Trial Work Period (TWP) lets you test your ability to work to your fullest potential while still receiving social security disability benefits. The TWP lets you work with no limit on how much you earn for 9 months; you can earn as much as you can, yet maintain your full Title II cash benefit.
What are the TPA amounts?
Trial work only occurs  once you have received social security disability Title 2 benefits. The 9 Trial Work Period months do not have to be consecutive. In fact, the TPA months can be used over a 5 year rolling period. In 2022, a TWP month happens when your employment gross income exceeds $970 per month. The permitted earnings amount ($970 or more) for the TWP changes each year by Social Security (SSA) regulations.
Employment income counts in the month it was earned unless SSA cannot verify the specific month it was earned. If SSA cannot determine the specific month the money was earned, then it counts in the month it was paid. If there is a month you earn close to the TWP amount, you should provide proof of income to SSA.
In terms of starting and stopping employment, it is your responsibility to inform SSA when you start or stop working. SSA will review your work activity and sends correspondence to you confirming that your TWP period is over. When your employment has reached TPA limits, you may be eligible for an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). This Extended Period of Eligibility provides an additional three years (36 months) of protection to work, earn, and protect your social security disability benefits. This period begins the month after your TWP ends and continues for the next 3 years. It is important to know this 3 year period is finite, meaning it keeps running whether you are working or not working.
During the three years of EPE, you should carefully track your earnings and report them to the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA will evaluate whether your gross earnings (earnings before taxes are deducted, minus IRWE and Subsidy) are above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2021, SGA was established at $1,310 per month. For individuals whose primary medical disability is blindness, the 2021 SGA amount is $2,190 per month. Much like the TPA monthly amounts, SGA monthly limits adjust annually by SSA regulation.
The first month that SSA determines that you are consistently earning over the SGA amount, you will receive your social security disability benefit check for that month and an additional two more months thereafter. This is a three month grace period. During the remainder of the 36 month EPE, you will be entitled to your social security disability checks when your gross earnings are below SGA. It is critically important to keep updated on the SGA earnings limits. But remember, no matter how much you are earning, if your disability causes you to either stop working or reduce your earnings below SGA during the EPE, your benefit check will start again when you notify your local SSA Office of the change in your wages.
Remember it is always important to report any and all earnings to SSA. If you need more information, feel free to call our firm. If you are thinking about applying for social security disability or have applied and were denied, call Mooney Law for a free consultation. You can contact us at 717-200-HELP or 717-632-4656. You can also email us at info@mooney4law.com. For more information, you can visit out website at Mooney4Law.com.
