4.1 Trial Work Period (TWP) Flashcards
“What is the purpose of the Trial Work Period (TWP)?”
Answer: “To allow SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work for up to 9 months without losing benefits.”
Explanation: “During the TWP, claimants can earn any amount without affecting their SSDI benefits as long as the work activity is reported.”
Source: CFR §404.1592.
“What are the earnings thresholds for the TWP in 2024?”
Answer: “$1,050 per month or more.”
Explanation: “Any month in which a claimant earns $1,050 or more counts toward the 9-month limit of the TWP.”
Source: SSA Red Book.
“Do the 9 months of the TWP need to be consecutive?”
Answer: “No, the 9 months can occur within a rolling 60-month period.”
Explanation: “This flexibility allows claimants to try working intermittently without immediately losing their benefits.”
Case Scenario: Kevin, an SSDI recipient, begins working part-time and earns $1,150 per month in January 2025. He continues to work at the same earnings level for the next 12 months.
Question: How many Trial Work Period (TWP) months has Kevin used?
Answer: Kevin has used 12 TWP months because his earnings exceed the TWP threshold of $1,050 in 2025.
Legal Explanation: The TWP allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work for up to 9 months without affecting benefits, provided their earnings exceed the TWP threshold ($1,050 in 2025). These months do not need to be consecutive but must occur within a rolling 60-month period.
Trial Work Period (TWP):
Up to 9 months of testing work ability without losing benefits.
2025 TWP threshold: $1,050/month.
Ticket to Work Program:
Encourages vocational training and employment without fear of losing benefits.
Scenario:
Michael, an SSDI beneficiary, earns $1,200 per month in 2025 during his Trial Work Period (TWP). He’s unsure whether this affects his benefits.
Question:
Does Michael’s work during the TWP disqualify him from SSDI?
Answer:
No, during the TWP, beneficiaries can earn any amount over the $1,050/month threshold without losing SSDI benefits.
Key Resource: CFR §404.1592 – TWP rules.
Section 9: Miscellaneous Topics
Flashcard Example
Scenario:
Lisa’s 17-year-old child, an SSI recipient, earns $2,100/month in 2025 while attending school full-time. Lisa worries this will disqualify her child from SSI.
Question:
Does the child’s income affect SSI eligibility?
Answer:
No, the income qualifies for the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), allowing up to $2,220/month and $8,950/year to be excluded from countable income in 2025.
Key Resource: CFR §416.1112(c)(3) – SEIE limits.
Section 3: Appeals Process
Flashcard Example
Scenario:
David receives a reconsideration denial and wants to request an ALJ hearing. He files his request 70 days after the denial notice was mailed.
Question:
Is David’s hearing request timely?
Answer:
No, David’s request is late. SSA presumes receipt of the denial notice 5 days after mailing, giving him 65 days to file (60 days plus the 5-day mailing presumption). Late filings require good cause to be accepted.
Key Resource: CFR §404.933(b) – ALJ hearing deadlines.
Section 8: Federal Court Practice
Flashcard Example
Scenario:
Tom’s Appeals Council review is denied. He wants to file a federal court appeal but waits 70 days after receiving the denial notice.
Question:
Can Tom file his federal court appeal late?
Answer:
No, Tom’s federal court appeal is late. He has 60 days from the date he receives the denial notice (plus the 5-day mailing presumption) to file.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Federal court filing deadlines.
Conclusion
All flashcards have been reviewed and updated to reflect 2025 numbers.
Thresholds such as SGA, TWP, SSI limits, and SEIE exclusions are current and aligned with 2025 rules.
Filing deadlines remain consistent and accurate across sections.
Let me know if there’s a specific card or section you’d like further clarification or additional review!
