TWP vs. SGA - PB can you clarify? - Disabilities Message Board

Kissa · 04-26-2006, 01:18 PM

Hey PB quick question

This has always been confusing but I thought that if a person earned more than $590, (increased to $620 this year) that the Trial Work Period kicks in for 9 months assuming they continue to work.

Could you clairify how the TWP works in relationship with or against the SGA?
506.0 in the handbook doesn't really explain it clearly and I think it's often misunderstood by most individuals, including myself.

If a person earns say $700 (falling under the SGA guidelines) a month which puts them in the TWP program what happens after the 9 month period? Do they continue to get benefits in full or do they get the difference from what they earned?

By that I mean lets say hypothetically a person gets $1,000 a month on SSD but goes back to work while being disabled under the TWP and that 9 months ends BUT they are only earning $700 per month working which is less than the SGA and they are still disabled do they still get their $1,000 in benefits or do they only get $300?

Will their disability benefits at some point totally cease even though they have fallen under what is considered SGA and are permanently disabled?

Thanks for your time, hopefully you can clarify this for me
Barb

Purplebill · 04-27-2006, 04:37 PM

Please keep in mind that the TWP only applies to Title 2 benefits
(SSDI), not Title 16 (SSI). If you are receiving SSDI, then you are entitled to the 9 month TWP. Once you have used up your 9 months (which do not have to be consecutive) then SGA rules apply. So if you are under the current SGA amount after your TWP has run out, then your benefits will continue.

However (and there is always a however) work that is performed under SGA levels is still evidence of capacity; and can and will be considered when your case is reevaluated. The closer you come to SGA levels, the stronger the evidence is that you may be found to be medically improved. SSA does not have a category of "permanently disabled". The closest category would be medical improvement not expected.

Kissa · 04-28-2006, 10:05 AM

Thank you PB for answering my question it does help to clarify it. I bring the question up because not only do I not understand it but many individuals have commented that if you are on disability you can still work and retain benefits if under the SGA (in regards to SSDI). It didn't seem right to me because as you indicated, working beyond the TWP would be evidence of capacity as you did indicate.

Thanks!
Barb