When someone qualifies and begins collecting Social Security disability benefits the idea for many of these people is returning to work after their condition has medically improved. Social Security was never meant as a permanent disability program, although a percentage of people never do improve enough medically to return to work. Although there are income requirements, Social Security does allow people to work while collecting benefits. Below Social Security outlines trial work periods, extended periods of eligibility and the expedited reinstatement process when someone stops working and becomes eligible for benefits again.
Trial Work Period
The trial work period allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months. During your trial work period, you’ll receive your full Social Security benefits regardless of how much you’re earning as long as you report your work, and you continue to have a disability. In 2019, a trial work month is any month your total earnings are over $880. If you’re self-employed, you have a trial work month when you earn more than $880 (after business expenses) or work more than 80 hours in your own business. The trial work period continues until you have used nine cumulative trial work months within a 60-month period.
Extended Period of Eligibility
After your trial work period, you have 36 months during which you can work and still receive benefits for any month your earnings aren’t “substantial.” In 2019, we consider earnings over $1,220 ($2,040 if you’re blind) to be substantial. No new application or disability decision is needed to receive a Social Security disability benefit during this period.
Expedited Reinstatement
If your benefits stop because of substantial earnings, you have five years to ask us to restart your benefits if you’re unable to keep working because of your condition. You won’t have to file a new application or wait for your benefits to restart while we review your medical condition.
