BENEFITS ARE NOT REDUCED DURING TRIAL WORK PERIOD

CAPE GIRARDEAU - People who receive Social Security checks because of a disability and who have what we call a trial work period can have unlimited earnings during that time without a reduction in their benefits. The trial work period, which lasts up to 9 months, allows the disabled person a time in which to test his or her ability to work productively and become self-supporting.

It's a type of buffer period which eases the transition from disability and dependency to productivity and self-support. We encourage all persons who feel that a trial work period would help them to contact Social Security.

The person's earnings will not affect their disability status until after the trial period has ended as long as he or she is still disabled. At that time, Social Security will decide whether he or she is still disabled under Social Security law.

Wages averaging more than $500 ($780 for blind people) usually indicates substantial gainful work. Other factors, such as job duties, hours worked, and expenses necessary for employment may also be considered. For the self-employed, their participation in and management of the business are important factors.

If Social Security decides that the individual is still disabled, benefits will continue as before. If no longer disabled, the person will not be eligible for benefits and monthly checks will stop 2 months following the last month of eligibility.

For more information about the trial work period and how a person may participate, call Social Security's toll-free number 1-800-2345-SSA (1-800-234-5772) or visit their Social Security office.