Trial Work Period:
Stepping stone towards renewed financial stability and a fulfilling career
For individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the prospect of reentering the workforce can be both exciting and daunting. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a valuable work incentive called the Trial Work Period (TWP).
The Trial Work Period is my favorite of the SSDI work Incentives. I love the Trial Work Period because it serves as a powerful tool to discover your work potential, regain financial independence, and return to work without fear.
Duration and Earnings Limit:
The goal of the Trial Work Period is to give individuals with disabilities a real chance over an extended time to try work.
Trial Work Periods are nine (9) one-month periods of time within a rolling five-year period. (Confusing right!) In short, these nine months do not have to be consecutive and can be spread out over several years. This allows an SSDI beneficiary to “try work” with confidence that no matter what happens they are financially protected.
A beneficiary must earn a minimum gross income in the month for it to be considered a Trial Work Period. This minimum amount of earnings is called Trial Work Level and The Trial Work Level changes each year based on cost-of-living changes to SSA benefits.
The significant advantage is that individuals can earn any amount of income during this period without impacting their disability benefits.
Discovering Employment Potential:
The Trial Work Period allows individuals to explore their employment potential over an extended time without the threat of losing benefits. It provides the opportunity to assess one's capabilities, identify suitable work opportunities, and gain work experience without impacting SSDI benefits. This period of self-discovery can help individuals rediscover their skills, passions, and abilities, setting the stage for a successful transition to sustainable employment.
Building Financial Stability:
By allowing participants to earn income without reducing their benefits, the Trial Work Period provides steppingstones to financial stability. Beneficiaries can either increase their income gradually allowing for a more gradual path to independence or use the combination of benefits and earnings to pay off debt and increase savings.
Just the Beginning of the Work Incentives Journey:
The Trial Work Period is the first of many SSDI work incentives. Completing the Trial Work Period isn’t the end of the work incentives. Once the Trial Work Period is completed, SSA offers a variety oof other work incentives to assist beneficiaries grow towards self-sufficiency.
The Trial Work Period empowers individuals to explore their capabilities, rebuild financial stability, and gain confidence in their work potential.
The Trial Work Period, and let it serve as a steppingstone towards renewed financial stability, personal growth, and a fulfilling career pat