Overview of SSA work incentives. Jay Walsh: Kane County Transition planning council AID Summer Intern

Reason How work effects a students benefits is often an issue with families and students. This document will help to understand more about work and work incentive programs

Social Security There are 2 main supports for people with disabilities from SSA. The first is SSI, and the second is SSDI SSI, is a welfare program and based on the ability of someone to work. SSDI is similar to insurance that you pay into SSA as a worker. Some people with disabilities may even draw from a parents contributions to the SSA. Some from their own if they have worked long enough paying into SSA.

Overview SSI Report monthly income. When working after a set amount determined yearly, work income will reduce SSI payments by 1 dollar for every 2 dollars. Or another way to look at it 50 for every hundred. Cannot have resources over $2000 total when combining all sources. Must report income monthly SSDI Insurance Can draw from it after making contributions as a worker. Fewer restrictions but still some. Report monthly earnings Money not reduced from earnings. Will be fixed to a specific limit determined yearly by SSA

Types of assistance for workers Student earned income exclusion Can earn more while still attending a school program before reduction of benefits from income Impairment related work expense (IRWE) Transportation, medications, some personal assistance, clothing (needed specifically for work), and equipment Turn in completed form and receipts monthly Can be ongoing expenses Plan for achieving self support (PASS) Used for planning of purchase needed for work that is time limited and would need to exceed the asset limits. Example: car purchase, education etc. Plan created with SSA staff and monitored for progress. Has a specific end date.

Student earned income exclusion (SEIE) You can make more money while attending school. This is to encourage students to continue their education Higher amount can be earned before SSI amount is reduced due to income.

Impairment Related work expense (IRWE) Costs for some thing needed specifically to work. • Social Security credits expenses you pay for that allow you to work (e.g., some transportation costs, wheelchair, prosthesis, medicines, etc.). These are called “Impairment Related Work Expenses” (IRWE). On some occasions part of job coaching or personal care expenses. Sent in monthly for review by ssa. SSA will determine if it meets the requirements to offset income.

What is considered Some transportation costs. Ride In Kane, TIDE, Pilot 1 programs. Clothing: only considered if used solely for work. Work boots but not Gym Shoes is an example. Medications: These would be something needed to work. Anxiety or depression medications but in most cases not something like allergy medications or over the counter medications (monthly cost of the specific medication needed to work) Some equipment: check with your SSA counselor, wheelchair, prosthesis, (generally if approved paid overtime with SSA)

Resources: IRWE TIP SHEET: http://www.vcu-ntc.org/Webcasts/Understanding%20IRWEs%20PPT%205-31-13.pdf SSA RED Book: https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/ssdi-and-ssi-employments-supports.htm#&a0=6