What's New in 2021

If you've started your journey toward employment, you may have heard the terms Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Today, we're highlighting the 2021 changes to the threshold amounts for these 2 disability-related provisions, as well as how Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program may be able to help you achieve your employment goals.

Trial Work Period

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security has a Work Incentive called the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months and still receive benefits. As long as you report your work activity and continue to meet Social Security's disability requirements, you'll continue to receive your benefits payments regardless of how much money you make. The TWP continues until you accumulate 9 TWP service months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period.

What's New in 2021?

Social Security adjusted the TWP amount in 2021 so that any month you earn more than $940 will count toward your TWP. If you are self-employed, any month that you work 80 or more hours in your business, or have net earnings from self-employment of more than $940 per month, will count toward your TWP.

For example, if you earn $1,500 in January 2021 and $700 in February 2021, only January will count toward your TWP. Find more information about the TWP in our Trial Work Period Fact Sheet. The fact sheet explains the process and highlights ways to make this safety net work for you.

Substantial Gainful Activity

Social Security uses the term "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) to describe a level of work activity and earnings. If you receive SSDI, Social Security uses SGA to decide if your eligibility for benefits continues after you return to work and complete your TWP. Social Security generally compares your monthly earnings to set amounts, known as earnings thresholds, to evaluate if your work activity is SGA.

What’s New in 2021?

Social Security has adjusted the SGA monthly threshold to $1,310 in 2021. The Social Security Act specifies a higher SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals, so for people who are blind and receive SSDI, the SGA monthly amount in 2021 is $2,190.

Stay up to date

As you think about what these 2021 updates mean for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has a Benefits Counselor on staff, may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.

We share information about Work Incentives and employment resources for people with disabilities regularly. Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media to stay up to date on the program and discover resources designed to help you on the path to work.

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog to learn more about the Ticket to Work Program and find tips for your job search.
• Subscribe to our WISE webinars email updates to find out what topics we'll discuss in our monthly webinars.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find even more information that may help you on your path to financial independence!

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider as you plan your employment goals for the new year, and you don't have to do it alone. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

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