If the person is self-employed, the requirement is 40 or more hours of work in a month. The nine months do not have to be consecutive, but the TWP ends after the ninth month in which the person earns over the limit. SSDI and Medicare benefits continue during the trial work period, no matter how high the person's earnings are, as long as the disability continues. Up to 36 months after the trial work period ends, a person can still receive his or her SSDI benefit check for any month in which the earnings fall below the SGA level. This can be provided if that the person still has the disability at the time and has proof of sub-SGA earnings.
Benefits continue until such time as gainful employment is attained - in some cases indefinitely.
If, after benefits have been discontinued, earnings fall below the SGA level, it is possible to apply for another trial work period, but the disability may have to be proven again before any additional benefits are awarded. Return to Work Incentive Programs . All rights reserved.