SSDI Trial Work Period in Utah: A Complete Guide

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries in Utah who want to return to work often worry about losing their benefits. The Trial Work Period (TWP) provides crucial protection for disabled individuals attempting to re-enter the workforce. This federal program allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work while maintaining full disability benefits, creating a safety net during the transition back to employment.

Understanding how the Trial Work Period works is essential for Utah residents receiving SSDI benefits who are considering employment. The rules surrounding this program can be complex, and mistakes can result in the loss of benefits or overpayment situations that create financial hardship.

What Is the Trial Work Period?

The Trial Work Period is a work incentive program designed to encourage SSDI beneficiaries to attempt returning to work without immediately risking their disability benefits. During this period, you can receive full SSDI benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and continue to have a disabling impairment.

The TWP consists of nine months during a rolling 60-month period. These nine months do not need to be consecutive. You can work sporadically, and only the months in which your earnings or work effort exceed a certain threshold count toward the nine-month total. For 2024, a trial work month is any month in which you earn more than $1,110 or work more than 80 self-employed hours.

Utah SSDI recipients should understand that the TWP begins automatically once you start working and earning above the monthly threshold. The SSA does not require you to request or apply for the Trial Work Period—it is an automatic entitlement for all SSDI beneficiaries.

How the Trial Work Period Functions in Practice

During your nine trial work months, the SSA will not conduct a medical review of your continuing disability based solely on your work activity. You continue receiving your full monthly SSDI payment regardless of your earnings level. This protection allows you to determine whether you can sustain employment despite your medical condition.

After you complete nine trial work months within the 60-month rolling period, you enter a new phase called the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). The EPE lasts for 36 consecutive months following the completion of your TWP. During this period, you will receive SSDI benefits for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024 ($2,590 for blind individuals).

For Utah workers in industries with fluctuating income—such as seasonal tourism work in areas like Park City or Moab, or agricultural work—the TWP and EPE provide important flexibility. You can work during busy seasons without necessarily losing benefits during slower periods when your earnings drop below SGA levels.

Utah-Specific Considerations for Trial Work Period

While the Trial Work Period operates under federal law and applies uniformly across all states, Utah beneficiaries should be aware of several practical considerations specific to their situation:

• State median income: Utah's cost of living varies significantly between urban areas like Salt Lake City and rural counties. Understanding whether your trial work earnings can sustain you financially if benefits eventually cease is critical to planning.
• Local SSA offices: Utah has Social Security field offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and other locations. Establishing a relationship with your local office and reporting work activity promptly is essential.
• Employment opportunities: Utah's growing economy offers various employment options for individuals with disabilities, including remote work opportunities with technology companies along the Wasatch Front.
• Healthcare considerations: Utah's Medicaid program has specific rules regarding disability and employment. Understanding how work affects both SSDI and Medicaid eligibility requires careful planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Trial Work Period

Many Utah SSDI beneficiaries make critical errors during their Trial Work Period that can result in overpayments or premature benefit termination. Avoiding these mistakes protects your financial security:

Failing to report work activity: You must notify the SSA when you start or stop working, even during your TWP. Failure to report can result in overpayments that you will be required to repay, creating substantial financial burden. Contact your local Utah SSA office or report online through your my Social Security account.

Misunderstanding what counts as a trial work month: Some beneficiaries assume that any work counts toward their nine months. Only months where earnings exceed the threshold ($1,110 in 2024) or self-employment hours exceed 80 hours count as trial work months.

Not tracking the 60-month rolling period: The TWP uses a rolling 60-month period, not a calendar-based system. Keep detailed records of your earnings and work months to know where you stand.

Assuming benefits automatically continue: After your TWP and during the EPE, benefits only continue for months when earnings are below the SGA level. Many beneficiaries incorrectly assume full benefits continue throughout the EPE regardless of earnings.

Ignoring medical improvement: While the SSA will not terminate benefits during the TWP solely based on work activity, they can still conduct medical continuing disability reviews. If medical evidence shows your condition has improved to the point you no longer meet disability criteria, benefits can be terminated.

Maximizing Your Trial Work Period Benefits

Strategic planning can help Utah SSDI beneficiaries maximize the advantages of the Trial Work Period. Consider working with a vocational rehabilitation counselor or disability employment specialist who understands the SSDI work incentives. Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities and the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation provide resources for individuals with disabilities returning to work.

Document everything related to your work attempt. Keep pay stubs, time sheets, and records of any work-related accommodations your employer provides. This documentation becomes invaluable if the SSA later questions your work activity or if you need to demonstrate that your condition prevents substantial gainful activity.

Consider the timing of your work attempt. If your medical condition is unstable, starting a trial work period during a time when your health is relatively better increases your chances of success. Conversely, pushing yourself to work when your condition is deteriorating may harm both your health and your long-term benefit eligibility.

Understand that unsuccessful work attempts due to your disability do not count against you. If you try to work but cannot continue due to your impairment, this actually supports your ongoing disability claim rather than undermining it.

The Trial Work Period represents an important opportunity for Utah SSDI beneficiaries to explore their capacity for work without immediately risking the financial security their benefits provide. Proper understanding and strategic use of this work incentive can help you transition back to employment if your medical condition allows, while maintaining protections if your disability prevents sustained work activity.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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