Key SSDI Work Rules You Should Know

Trial Work Period (TWP)

• Lets you test working for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60‑month window.
• In 2025, any month you earn over $1,110 is a TWP month.
• You keep full SSDI during TWP months regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report on time.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

• After the TWP, you enter a 36‑month EPE.
• You receive SSDI for any month your countable earnings are below SGA.
• If you go over SGA in a month, your check can be suspended for that month; if you drop back below SGA the next month, your check can resume—no new application needed.

Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)

• If benefits stop because of work and within 5 years you can’t continue due to your disability, you can request quick reinstatement without filing a brand‑new claim. You may receive temporary benefits while SSA decides.

What Counts as Income (and What Doesn’t)

• Counts toward SGA: Gross wages from a job; net earnings if self‑employed; bonuses, tips, commissions.
• May reduce “countable” income:
  Impairment‑Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) you pay out of pocket (e.g., mobility aids, specialized transportation, certain medications needed for work).
  Wage subsidies or special accommodations (when your employer pays you more than the value of your productivity due to your disability).
• Generally doesn’t count toward SGA: Investment income, most pensions, and other unearned income (though you should still track everything).

Special Notes for Self‑Employed Iowans

SSA uses extra tests for self‑employment (e.g., comparability and worth of work). Even with low profits, if the value of your services to the business suggests substantial work, SSA may find SGA. Keep detailed time logs, task lists, and profit‑and‑loss records.

Unsuccessful Work Attempts (UWA)

If a work try lasts six months or less and ends because of your impairment (or removal of special conditions), SSA may treat it as a UWA—meaning those earnings may not count against you for SGA. Document why the attempt ended and keep dates, doctor notes, and employer statements.

Reporting: Avoid Overpayments

Report promptly when you:

• Start or stop a job, change employers, or change duties/hours.
• Your monthly earnings change (especially if near SGA).
• You incur IRWEs or begin receiving accommodations/subsidies.

Best practice: report within 10 days after the month ends, keep pay stubs, and maintain a simple earnings log (dates, hours, gross pay, notes on accommodations).

Practical Tips to Work Part‑Time Safely

• Aim to keep monthly earnings under $1,550 (non‑blind) unless you’re in a TWP month.
• Track your TWP months so you don’t accidentally use all nine without planning.
• Maintain consistent medical treatment and keep records of ongoing limitations.
• If close to SGA, consider IRWEs and talk with your employer about documenting subsidies.
• Use Ticket to Work services if you want coaching, training, or benefits counseling.