Trial Work Period (TWP) in a Nutshell

The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During your TWP, you will receive full SSDI benefits regardless of how high your earnings might be, as long as you report your work activity and you have a disabling impairment.

Your TWP starts the first month you are entitled to SSDI benefits or the month you file for benefits, whichever is later. The TWP continues until you accumulate 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) in which you perform what we call “services” within a rolling 60-month period. We use this “services” rule only to count TWP months.

In 2011, we consider your work to be “services” for the TWP if your gross earnings are more than $720 a month, or if you work more than 80 hours in self-employment in a month.

When your TWP is complete, you may become eligible for other employment supports and we consider whether any of them apply to your situation.

Kjellan Loe
Rehab Services, Inc.


Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com