“My Trial Work Period is almost over… now what?”
This is the point where most SSDI recipients freeze.
You’ve tested work.
You’ve earned some money.
You know the Trial Work Period (TWP) doesn’t last forever.
And now the question gets louder:
“What happens after the Trial Work Period ends – do they just stop my benefits?”
Short answer: no.
Long answer: it depends on what your work looks like after, and there are more layers than most people explain.
Let’s walk through this calmly, step by step.
First: what ending the Trial Work Period actually means
The Trial Work Period ending does not mean:
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your SSDI automatically stops
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you’re suddenly “on probation”
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one good month ruins everything
What it does mean is this:
SSA starts paying closer attention to whether your work is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Think of it like this:
The Trial Work Period is training wheels.
When they come off, you’re still riding – just without automatic protection.
The phase most people never hear explained: the “in-between period”
After your 9 Trial Work Period months are used, you don’t fall off a cliff.
You enter what SSA calls a continued evaluation phase (often referred to as the Extended Period of Eligibility, though you don’t need to memorize the term).
What matters is how SSA behaves during this time.
During this phase:
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SSA looks at your monthly earnings
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They compare them to the SGA level
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They evaluate patterns, not just one month
This is why understanding SGA matters after the TWP, not before.
The SGA line (2026 reminder)
For 2026, SGA is:
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$1,690/month for non-blind individuals
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$2,830/month for statutorily blind individuals
These amounts are based on gross earnings for employees and a more nuanced evaluation for self-employment.
Crossing this line doesn’t automatically end SSDI – sustained work above it is what matters.
What SSA actually looks for after the TWP
Here’s what SSA is trying to answer:
“Is this person now working at a level we consider substantial, on an ongoing basis?”
So they look at:
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consistency
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repetition
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predictability
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whether work looks like competitive employment
Think of it like this:
SSA isn’t reacting to one loud noise.
They’re listening for a steady drumbeat.
Real-life scenarios (what usually happens)
Let’s ground this in examples people actually live.
Scenario 1: You earn under SGA after the TWP
This is the calmest outcome.
If your earnings stay below SGA:
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SSDI usually continues
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reporting still matters
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SSA keeps monitoring, but nothing dramatic happens
This is why many people aim for steady, modest income.
Scenario 2: You go over SGA for one month
This does not automatically end your SSDI.
SSA usually looks for:
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whether it continues
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whether it repeats
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whether it reflects a sustained ability to work
One strong month doesn’t define your capacity.
Analogy:
One good week at the gym doesn’t mean you’re suddenly an athlete.
Scenario 3: You consistently earn over SGA
This is where SSDI can pause or stop.
If SSA determines that:
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your work is substantial
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your earnings are consistently above SGA
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and this reflects ongoing capacity
Then benefits may stop after appropriate notices and evaluation – not instantly, not silently.
This process takes time.
Why people think SSDI “suddenly stopped”
When people say:
“My SSDI just stopped out of nowhere”
What usually happened is:
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earnings patterns changed months earlier
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SSA reviewed data later
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notices were sent
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timelines overlapped
Analogy:
This isn’t a trapdoor.
It’s delayed paperwork catching up.
What if your work doesn’t last?
This is one of the most important protections, and one people rarely understand.
If work:
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doesn’t continue
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becomes unsustainable
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ends because of your condition
There are reinstatement protections built into SSDI.
You’re not permanently “out” just because you tried.
That’s one reason SSA encourages testing work in the first place.
Self-employment after the Trial Work Period (extra nuance)
If you’re self-employed, SSA may look at:
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net earnings
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hours worked
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value of services
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whether the business depends on you
This is why:
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staying under SGA alone isn’t enough
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clarity and documentation matter more after the TWP
Self-employment gets more scrutiny after the training wheels come off.
The mistake people make after the TWP
The biggest mistake is assuming:
“Nothing bad happened during the Trial Work Period, so I’m in the clear.”
The Trial Work Period is forgiving by design.
After it ends:
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patterns matter more
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consistency matters more
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reporting matters more
This doesn’t mean panic.
It means awareness.
The safest mindset after the Trial Work Period
The lowest-stress approach usually looks like this:
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predictable income
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steady patterns
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clear reporting
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understanding SGA
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avoiding sudden spikes without context
Think of it like this:
SSA can handle cruise control.
They struggle with sudden acceleration.
What to read next
If you’re here, the most helpful next reads are:
Each one answers a different fear.
Important disclaimer (please read)
This article explains general SSDI rules as of 2026.
Your situation may differ based on:
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your work history
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income patterns
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self-employment details
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other benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid)
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prior work attempts
Before making decisions that affect your benefits, talk with a benefits counselor who can review your specific situation.
Free benefits counseling is available
SSDI and SSI recipients can get help through SSA’s
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program.
📞 Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842
📞 TTY: 1-866-833-2967
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
They can help you:
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understand how work will be evaluated after the Trial Work Period
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plan income safely
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avoid surprises later
