Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA) 

A UWA is an effort to do substantial work, in employment or self-employment, which stopped or reduced to below the SGA level after a short time (6 months or less) because of:

• The impairment; or
• Removal of special conditions related to the impairment and essential to the further performance of work

When SSA makes a SGA decision to determine if the beneficiary's disability continues or ceases because of the work, they do not count other earnings during a UWA.

During the Extended Period of Eligibility, SSA considers a UWA as part of the SGA decision for months up to and including the month (if any) in which they cease the disability.

SSA does not consider UWA during the Trial Work Period, or after the month (if any) in which they cease the disability.

For SSI, SSA only considers a UWA at the time someone files an initial claim. After that, a UWA is not considered in figuring the SSI payment

For more information on Ticket to Work, including a list of approved Employment Networks, contact the SSA Ticket Program Operations Support Manager, MAXIMUS, at their toll free numbers: 1-866-YOURTICKET (1-866-968-7842) or for TTY/TDD call 1-866-833-2967 between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time (Monday through Friday).

For a complete explanation go to SSA Online and view the Redbook section or contact your local WSC WIPA Benefits Planner 1-(855)-886-5123.

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