Once you’ve used all 9 of your Trial Work Period months, you’ll be in a new work phase called the Extended Period of Eligibility. This phase lasts for 3 years. In 2026, during this period, any month that you earn more than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind), you don’t get your SSDI check. Any month that you earn less than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind), you do get your SSDI check.
Your SSDI benefit can’t be terminated during this phase; when you earn less than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind), you’ll be eligible for your check again.
You can use Work Incentives to lower your countable earned income during the Extended Period of Eligibility, which may help you keep your SSDI check. Keep working through the toolkit to learn about Work Incentives.
It’s a good idea to track your income during this phase, using the same Tracking Worksheet you used for the Trial Work Period phase. Mark down every month your countable income is more than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind).
Tracking Worksheet for TWP and EPE
If your income goes up and down, and you sometimes make more than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind) and sometimes make less than $1,690 ($2,830 if you are blind), Social Security may average your income. You can read about Income Averaging below.
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To Do: Track your income using the tracking worksheet. Mark down every month you earn more than $1,690.
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