Social Security Disability Work Incentives Benefits 101

PROJECT IMPACT Provide In-depth personalized benefits analysis covering all federal and state benefits Individualized counseling about the effect of work on all federal and state benefits and development of a comprehensive Benefits Summary & Analysis report Assistance with resolving problems related to benefits

Contact Information Andrea Jackson Benefits Specialist/CWIC Project IMPACT Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 Andrea.Jackson@MassMail.State.MA.US

Social Security Administration Title II Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI, CDB, DWB Title XVI Supplemental Security Income SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Beneficiary receives benefits based on: Own work record (SSDI) The work record of a parent (retired or deceased) (CDB) The work record of a deceased spouse (DWB) Payment amount based on number of credits earned 5 month waiting period No resource or asset limit Eligibility for Medicare after 24 months

Let’s review Social Security Disability Benefits: Work incentives! Trial Work Period Extended Period of Eligibility Expedited Reinstatement Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)/ Subsidy Extended Medicare 2019

Supplemental Security Income

SSI Eligibility & Payment Rates Living Category Federal Benefit Rate State Supplement Total Benefit Live Independently $771.00 $114.39 $885.39 Shared (roommate & residential programs) $30.40 $801.40 House hold of Another (parents) $514.00 $87.58 $601.58 Low- income Program ( must meet income and resource test) Asset Limit; $2,000 individual, $3,000 couple

Now let’s review Supplemental Security Income Work Incentive Earned Income Exclusion (EIE) $85.00 $20.00 Unearned $65.00 General 1619b (Medicaid) Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Student Earned Income Exclusion $1870.00/month Up to 7550.00 Impairment Related Work Expenses

Medicare & MassHealth Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EMPC) A total of 93 months (7+ years) of coverage. The 93 months start the month after the TWP ends. Must continue to pay monthly premium Option to continue to buy Medicare after 93 months. Part A – Hospital Insurance (free) Part B- Outpatient services monthly premium Part D- Prescription Drug Coverage (various premiums) Private plan Mandatory unless a beneficiary has “creditable coverage” through a private health insurance company. ( MassHealth does not count) Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act provides some protection for these beneficiaries. To qualify for continuing Medicaid coverage, a person must: Have been eligible for an SSI cash payment for at least 1 month; Still meet the disability requirement; and Still meet all other non-disability SSI requirements; and Need Medicaid benefits to continue to work; and Have gross earnings that are insufficient to replace SSI, Medicaid and publicly funded attendant care services. MASSACHUSETTS -$40,693(2018) One of the biggest concerns SSI beneficiaries have about going to work is the possibility of losing MassHealth coverage.