Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
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Spotlight on Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
Understanding the EPE helps you plan employment, protect benefits, and shape your financial future. After the Trial Work Period (TWP) ends, you can continue working and receive SSDI benefits with this work incentive phase that gives you continued support as you transition to work.
Programs and Support:
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Social Security Administration (SSA): Oversees the SSDI benefit program. Based on earnings, the SSA determines when your EPE begins and monitors monthly income to see if SSDI payments continue. Current Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels can be found on the Social Security Administration website. You can also find your local office using the Social Security Office Locator tool or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
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EPE: Your EPE begins after your 9-month TWP ends and lasts for 36 months (3 years). During the EPE, SSDI payments depend on monthly earnings; if you earn below SGA you are entitled to an SSDI payment, if earnings above SGA you are not entitled to an SSDI payment. Your first month earning above SGA during EPE becomes your Cessation Month and you will receive 3 months of SSDI payments (Cessation + 2-month Grace Period). After the Grace Period, SSDI benefit payments depend on monthly earnings until EPE ends or benefits are terminated. SGA is the key threshold and levels change annually, so check current amounts. After the EPE ends, rules change; if you already had a Cessation Month, next time above SGA means termination of your SSDI benefits. If you never had a Cessation Month during EPE, you get one Grace Period after EPE ends.
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California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR): Provides Work Incentive Planning (WIP) services to help you understand your TWP, EPE, and other work incentives. The Department Of Rehabilitation website has a section for Programs for Social Security Beneficiaries which offers valuable information, including the Upcoming & Past Webinars page with videos on helpful topics.
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Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects: Offer free personalized counseling to support your employment goals. You can find your local WIPA project using the WIPA Locator tool on the Ticket To Work website at www.choosework.ssa.gov. The Social Security Administration website also features a WIPA Overview.
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Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) Website: Provides easy-to-read information about EPE, SGA details, and other SSDI work incentives. Visit the California Disability Benefits 101 website to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance Work Incentives in the section on Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) Information.
Practical Steps:
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Understand how the EPE differs from the TWP. During the TWP: You get SSDI payments every month no matter how much you earn. During the EPE: You only get SSDI payments for months when earnings are below the SGA level.
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Check current Substantial Gainful Activity levels on the Social Security website to ensure you remain eligible for your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefit payment. If your earnings are below SGA: You receive your SSDI payment for that month. If your earnings are above SGA: You do not receive your SSDI payment for that month.
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Understand your options if SSDI benefits are terminated. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) can be requested, or you can file a new application.
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Report wages every month. Social Security needs accurate monthly earnings to determine payments. You might also need to report any changes in work hours, or income, Self-employment income and hours worked, and any work expenses that might reduce countable income
Key Takeaways:
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The EPE gives SSDI recipients a 36-month work incentive to test working while keeping benefits if earnings stay below SGA.
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You get a Cessation Month and Grace Period! That means continued benefits for up to three months after exceeding SGA.
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If SSDI benefits are terminated, you have options such as EXR or you can reapply for benefits if you are still eligible.
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Track income, stay updated on SGA levels, and connect with DOR or a WIPA project for support.
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Help is available from Work Incentive Planners (WIPs) who can guide you through EPE and help you plan strategically.
The EPE is more than just a rule; it is a powerful opportunity giving you the freedom to explore work without the fear of immediately losing your SSDI benefits. Do you want more support? The California Department of Rehabilitation website is full of resources to help you succeed, including information on Work Incentive Planning services for personalized guidance tailored to your situation, helping you make confident decisions about work and benefits. Visit the DOR Spotlight on Social Security YouTube Channel where you will find webinars strategies for managing your benefits while working, and real-life success stories.