Returning to Work on SSDI: How the Trial Work Period Works in West Virginia

Balancing Health and Work

Many people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance want to return to work if their health improves. They may feel better physically or need additional income. SSA encourages work by offering several safety nets, including the trial work period (TWP). Understanding these rules can make the transition smoother and prevent unexpected benefit loss.

The Trial Work Period Explained

The trial work period allows you to test your ability to work for nine months within a rolling 60‑month window without losing your SSDI benefits. Any month in which you earn above a set amount counts as a trial work month. In 2025, that amount is $1,160. The earnings threshold is adjusted annually. These months do not need to be consecutive. For example, if you earn $1,200 in January, March and June, but less in other months, you have used three of your nine trial work months.

During the TWP, you continue receiving your full SSDI payment regardless of how much you earn. The goal is to encourage you to explore whether you can sustain employment.

Extended Period of Eligibility

After you complete your nine trial work months, you enter a 36‑month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, SSA checks your earnings each month:

• If your earnings are below the SGA level ($1,620 per month in 2025), you continue to receive your SSDI benefit.
  
• If your earnings exceed SGA, your benefits are suspended for that month. They can resume if your earnings drop below SGA during the EPE.
  

Once the EPE ends, SSA will terminate your benefits if your earnings exceed SGA for any month. However, you may have access to expedited reinstatement if your disability forces you to stop working within five years.

Impairment‑Related Work Expenses and Subsidies

SSA allows deductions for impairment‑related work expenses (IRWEs)—costs you pay out of pocket to work despite your disability. These include medical equipment, medication, counseling, transportation and attendant care. IRWEs can reduce your countable earnings, helping you stay under the SGA level. Additionally, if your employer provides special accommodations or subsidies (e.g., you work slower and produce less than other employees but receive full pay), SSA may adjust your earnings to account for this.

Resources for Returning to Work

1. West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS): Offers vocational counseling, training, assistive technology and job placement. DRS can help you develop a plan to return to work and coordinate with your employer.
   
2. Ticket to Work Program: SSA’s Ticket to Work provides free employment services through approved Employment Networks (ENs). Participants can get job coaching, resume development and help negotiating accommodations.
   
3. Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA): These projects offer free benefits counseling to help you understand how working will affect your SSDI, SSI, Medicaid and other benefits.

Tips and Legal Help

• Report earnings promptly. Notify SSA each month you work, providing pay stubs or tax returns. This ensures your trial work months are tracked correctly and prevents overpayments.
  
• Track accommodations and expenses. Keep receipts for impairment‑related work expenses to deduct them from your earnings. Document any subsidies or special accommodations your employer provides.
  
• Consult an attorney. A disability lawyer can explain how work incentives apply to your situation and help if SSA incorrectly terminates your benefits or issues an overpayment notice.

Conclusion

Returning to work while disabled requires careful planning, but you don’t have to navigate SSA’s rules alone. Shawn Taylor PLLC advises West Virginians on maximizing work incentives and maintaining benefits. Contact us to discuss your situation and create a work plan that protects your income and health.