WHAT IS A “TRIAL WORK PERIOD” IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS’ CASES?

When you have been awarded Social Security disability insurance benefits, you are entitled to a 9 month “trial work period.”  These months do not have to be consecutive months. You are entitled to a trial work period every 5 years. If you earn less than $750 gross in a month, it will not be considered part of your “trial work period.”

After you complete your trial work period, you can get an extended period of eligibility. If you can work during the 36 consecutive months after your trial work period ends, your eligibility to receive a monthly Social Security disability benefit check is decided on a month to month basis.  If you do not earn able $1,000 per month gross, you can still get your benefit check.