SSDI return-to-work timeline

A simplified map of what happens when you work while receiving SSDI. Enter your Trial Work Period start date (if known) to see milestones.

You can work and keep full SSDI cash benefits. Each month your gross earnings are over $1,210 uses one of 9 TWP months.

Example: If your TWP started today, month 0 of 9 has been used.

After the 9th TWP month, you enter EPE. Cash benefits restart in months your earnings fall below SGA, and stop in months above SGA.

After EPE, if your earnings are consistently over $1,690/mo, SSDI cash benefits can end.

Medicare Part B continues for at least 93 months (7 years + 9 months) after your TWP ends, even if SSDI cash stops.

Phase	Threshold	What happens to SSDI cash	What happens to Medicare Part B
During TWP	≤ $1,210/mo uses no TWP month	Continues	Covered
Over TWP, under SGA	$1,211 – $1,690	Uses TWP months; cash continues	Covered
Over SGA during EPE	≥ $1,691/mo	Can stop for that month	Covered
After EPE	Consistently over SGA	May end	Continues 93 more months

This is the SSDI rule set. SSI rules are different — wages reduce SSI much faster.