Title II Work Phases Summary
Social Security created periods of time (phases) when you can try out work without the risk of losing eligibility for Title II. These work phases are:
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Trial Work Period (TWP) -
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
Following the EPE, you enter the Post-Extended Period of Eligibility (Post EPE), where you can continue to receive your Title II benefit until you work at the SGA level.
Trial Work Period
Once eligible for a Title II benefit, when you first start working, you begin your Trial Work Period. This is a phase where you can work, earn any amount, and keep your cash benefit.
How long does the TWP last?
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Indefinitely, or until you earn 9 TWP months. -
TWP months do not need to be consecutive. -
TWP months stay on your record for 5 years. -
After you earn 9 TWP months, you leave the TWP.
What is the earnings threshold?
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$1,210 / month (2026) -
If self-employed, working more than 80 hours / month also counts as one TWP month. -
If the gross earnings you receive in a month are greater than the threshold, you will have earned one “TWP month.” -
You do not lose your cash benefit if you earn over the TWP threshold.
Do Work Incentives Apply?
No. Title II Work Incentives do not apply.
Extended Period of Eligibility
Beginning the first month after you leave the TWP, you enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is measured during the EPE.
How long does the EPE last?
36 consecutive months.
What is the earnings threshold (SGA)?
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$1,690 / month (non-blind); $2,830 / month (blind) (2026) -
The gross earnings you earn in a month, plus work incentives, are looked at when determining SGA.
Do Work Incentives Apply?
Yes. Title II Work Incentives are considered when determining SGA.
What happens if I work at SGA?
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SGA is considered on a monthly basis. -
If you work at SGA, you are not eligible to receive a Title II cash benefit for that month. -
If you do not work at SGA, you will keep your Title II cash benefit for the month. -
Two exceptions to these rules: the cessation month and grace period, and income averaging.
Post Extended Period of Eligibility
Once you complete your 36-month EPE, you enter the Post-EPE.
How long does the EPE last?
Indefinitely, or until you work at SGA.
What is the earnings threshold (SGA)?
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$1,690 / month (non-blind); $2,830 / month (blind) (2026) -
The gross earnings you earn in a month, plus work incentives, are looked at when determining SGA.
Do Work Incentives Apply?
Yes. Title II Work Incentives are considered when determining SGA.
What happens if I work at SGA?
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SGA will continue to be looked at on a monthly basis. -
Once you work at SGA, your Title II eligibility will be terminated, and you will stop receiving cash benefits. -
Exception: if you have not used your grace period, it can be applied here. After the grace period, your Title II eligibility ends.
Do I lose Medicare immediately if Title II ends?
Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits
If you stop working at SGA within 5 years of your Title II benefits being terminated, you can ask for an Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits (EXR).
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You can receive up to 6 months of ‘provisional benefits,’ plus Medicare while a decision is being made. -
If EXR is denied, you will not need to pay back any benefits you received during the EXR review. -
If EXR is approved, Social Security will reinstate your Title II benefits. -
After two years of receiving reinstated Title II benefits, you may be eligible for a new Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility.