The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

However, the Ticket to Work program provides flexibility and support so beneficiaries can make the transition into the workforce while maintaining their benefits.

In the first phase of a return to employment, the Ticketholder will undergo a Trial Work Period (TWP). Beneficiaries can earn unlimited income and keep their benefits during a TWP (9 months), provided they’re working toward their employment goals. Part of this requirement is competing timely progress reports demonstrating completion of a certain amount of work or educational activity, or a combination of both.

The Extended Period of Eligibility and Your SSDI Benefits After your Trial Work Period (TWP) ends, you will enter what is called the "Extended Period of Eligibility" (EPE) or Re-Entitlement Period. This is a three-year period where SSA evaluates your work and earnings to see if you can return to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The EPE begins the first month after the Trial Work Period ends, regardless of whether you worked that month. The goal of the EPE is to provide a safety net while transitioning you back into full-time work.

During the EPE, you can continue to receive benefits for any month where your earnings or work activities are below the SGA limit. In 2024, SGA is considered anything above $1,550 per month or $2,590 if you’re blind. During the EPE, your benefits are affected in the following ways: Your earnings qualify as SGA. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit in any month during the first 36 months of the EPE, SSA will suspend your cash benefits for that month only. Your earnings fall below SGA. If you’re still in the 36-month re-entitlement period, your benefits can be reinstated without filing a new application.

If you work above SGA after 36 months, on the 37th month, SSA will consider your disability ceased and your disability case is closed. Benefits will be paid for the month disability ended and the following two months.

However, there is another five-month grace period after the EPE ends, during which you could continue receiving benefits if your earnings fall below the SGA level for that particular year, called the Expedited Reinstatement period. If you cannot work above SGA after 36 months of EPE, you will continue to receive benefits until you achieve the SGA level or medically recover.

Can I Get Expedited Reinstatement if I Need Benefits Again?

A return to work isn’t always successful on the first attempt. If your benefits are discontinued because of substantial earnings, and you become disabled again, you have five years from the month your benefits stopped to request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR).

If you qualify for EXR, your benefits can be started again right away without the need to file a new application or wait for SSA to review your medical condition.

You are eligible to request EXR if all of the following are true:

• Your prior SSDI benefits were terminated due to SGA, or your previous SSI disability or blindness eligibility was terminated due to excess income.

• Your current medical condition prevents you from working at the SGA level.

• You are unable to perform SGA in the month you apply for Expedited Reinstatement.

• Your current medical condition is the same as, or related to, your original disabling condition.

Benefits to You Under the "Extended Period of Eligibility" Phase

• You can still work over the SGA and make more money without having your cash or medical benefits terminated.

• If you make over the SGA, your check is on hold but not terminated. 

• Your check is reinstated at any time under this 36 month program if your gross earnings are below the SGA.

• You keep your Medicare insurance for 93 months or Medicaid insurance.

For additional information - Videos

 "What is the Substantial Gainful Activity," click on the link: 

"Substantial Gainful Activity"

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"The Extended Period of Eligibility, The DBD Student," click on the link:

"The Extended Period of Eligibility"

Our Employment Professionals Help Every Step of the Way. If you’re afraid of returning to work and losing your disability benefits, the dedicated employment professionals at Abbott & Associates Financial Services, LLC. can help. We can guide you through the requirements of the Ticket to Work program and give you the tools you need to reach your full working potential. Please fill out our online contact form or call (734) 363-2641 to complete a quick intake with one of our team members.