SSDI trial work period, month by month.

The amounts

SSA states the trial work threshold is lower than the monthly substantial gainful activity amount. For the self-employed a month also counts if you work more than 80 hours in the business.

How the nine months are counted

Under 20 CFR 404.1592 the trial work period begins in the month you become entitled to disability benefits (not before you apply). You may perform services in as many as nine months, and they do not have to be consecutive. It ends with the ninth service month within a period of 60 consecutive months, or earlier if new evidence shows you are not disabled. You can have only one trial work period per period of entitlement.

Worked example

Monthly earnings in 2026: $1,300, $900, $1,500, $1,210, $2,000.

• $1,300 counts (above $1,210)
• $900 does not
• $1,500 counts
• $1,210 does not (must be more than the amount)
• $2,000 counts

That is 3 of 9 trial work months used, with 6 to go.

Who does not get one

You are not entitled to a trial work period if you are entitled to a period of disability only and no other title II disability benefit, if you show the ability to do substantial gainful activity during a waiting period, or for any month before you applied. It does not apply to SSI.

After the trial work period

Services in the trial work period do not by themselves end your disability, but SSA will consider that work afterward when deciding whether your disability ended.

Sources

Primary sources opened and checked on November 2, 2026. This page has no affiliation with any agency; confirm with the agency before you rely on an amount or date.

• eCFR, 20 CFR 404.1592 The trial work period. Read November 2, 2026.
• Social Security Administration, 2027 COLA fact sheet (2026 and 2027 trial work period amounts). Read November 2, 2026.
• Social Security Administration, Substantial Gainful Activity. Read November 2, 2026.