Disability Work Test, 2026
SGA in 2026 is $1,690/month, $2,830 if blind, and a trial work month starts at $1,210. Your prescription and assistive costs come off the top, most people count earnings who don't have to.
IRWE = the drug copays, therapy, equipment, service animal care, and modified-work costs you pay because of your impairment, deductible before the SGA test. Keep receipts; SSA accepts them when documented.
How the math works
- 2026 SGA amounts (SSA): $1,690/month non-blind, $2,830/month statutorily blind. Gross wages minus documented IRWE = the number SSA tests.
- Trial Work Period (TWP): 9 months (not necessarily consecutive, 5-year window) where you can earn any amount and still be paid. In 2026 a month counts when earnings hit $1,210, or 15 hours of work if self-employed.
- Grace period: after the 9th trial work month, 3 consecutive months of any earnings do not stop benefits.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): the 36 months after that. Benefits are suspended in any month countable earnings reach SGA, and reinstated in any month they fall below, no new claim needed.
- Cash benefits stop only after the EPE ends with an SGA month. Medicare continues 24 months in; SSI cash can stay $0-payment status for months of work for Medicaid continuity.
How much can I earn on SSDI in 2026 without losing benefits?
During your 9 trial work months, any amount, they don't reduce your check. After that, in the 36-month extended period, benefits are suspended in months your net-of-IRWE earnings hit $1,690 ($2,830 if blind).
Do prescriptions count against me?
No, impairment-related work expenses are subtracted from your gross pay before the SGA test. If you earn $1,800 and spend $200/month on impairment-related costs, SSA tests $1,600, under SGA.
What is the 2026 trial work period amount?
$1,210 in monthly earnings triggers a trial work month in 2026 ($1,210 net after business expenses for self-employment, or 15 hours worked in the business).