When does a Trial Work Period (TWP) begin?

The Trial Work Period (TWP) begins after the first cash payment following the waiting period. This is an important aspect of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) work incentives program, designed to allow individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to test their ability to work without losing their benefits.

During the TWP, individuals can work for up to nine months, regardless of how much they earn, while still receiving their full disability benefits. This period encourages individuals to re-enter the workforce and evaluate their capacity to maintain gainful employment while still having a safety net in the form of their benefits.

Other options do not reflect the official starting point of the TWP. For instance, the onset of medical eligibility or application does not directly trigger the start of the TWP; it specifically correlates with the timing of cash payments that result from the approved disability claim. This framework allows individuals to confidently transition back to work, knowing they will not be immediately penalized by the loss of their benefits.