Previous posts here have discussed a wide variety of topics related to disability benefits and the process of securing them from the Social Security Administration. A disabling illness or injury can be a major hurdle for Oklahoma residents to overcome in their efforts to live independently and make their own way. For some, finding work despite their disabilities may be a goal that they wish to achieve.
However, employment can sometimes be a bar to receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If a person can work then they may not need the support of the benefits program and may be denied initial or continuing disability benefits coverage. For those who are unsure if they will be able to make it on their own in jobs and without receiving disability benefits, the trial work period may be helpful.
A trial work period lasts up to five years. If during those 60 months a person earns more than the established minimum of income set by the Social Security Administration for at least nine of the months, then they will be considered eligible to work. A person does not lose their disability benefits during their trial work period and if they cannot earn enough during it, they may continue to receive support.
In 2019, a person on their trial work period must earn at least $880 in a month for it to qualify them as employable. If a person earns less than this amount or has other questions about how employment may impact their access to disability benefits, they may need to get more information about their own case-specific questions.