In an effort to encourage workers to try to return to full-time employment, the Social Security Administration has enacted a trial work period for SSD recipients. During this period, which can last up to nine non-consecutive months, you'll be permitted to earn an income without losing your monthly SSD benefits. 

After you've spent nine months working and have earned an average of more than $1,170 per month (or $1,950 per month for blind individuals), you'll be deemed no longer disabled and your benefits will end.

On the other hand, if you're unable to average at least $1,170 per month in income while working full-time during your trial period, your trial period will end and your benefits will continue. You won't be penalized for the income you earned during this time or required to make any repayments to the Social Security Administration. 

One of the major benefits of taking advantage of this trial work period is the ability to "fast-track" back into SSD if your disability worsens. If you do successfully return to work and cease collecting SSD benefits but are later disabled again, you won't need to go through the entire application and approval process; your benefits will simply be reinstated.

In addition to the obvious benefits that can come from working, like an increase in income, comprehensive health insurance, and a sense of purpose, there can be some additional financial advantages to returning to the workforce. 

If you're receiving SSD benefits when you turn 62 (or otherwise hit early retirement age), your SSD benefits are automatically converted to Social Security retirement benefits. This means you won't be able to add to your Social Security benefit amount and will continue to receive only the reduced benefits granted under the Social Security Disability program. 

On the other hand, if you return to work and don't claim Social Security retirement benefits until your full retirement age (or age 70), you'll be able to receive a much higher monthly Social Security benefit than would have been available through the disability program. 

Another advantage can come from remaining proactive; continuing to receive SSD benefits once your condition has improved enough to allow you to return to work could set you up for a rude awakening when the Social Security Administration conducts its periodic review.

If you're no longer deemed totally disabled following an Administration audit, your benefits may stop with very little prior notice, leaving you high and dry while you search for a new job. 

If you're contemplating a return to work, you'll want to speak with a Social Security Disability attorney to evaluate your options. Doing so can ensure you don't waive or otherwise give up any rights or benefits to which you're entitled. 

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