Going To Work

8/8/2019 Going To Work

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GG WkA Guide to Social Security Benets and Employment for Young People with Disabilities

2010 Edition by Linda Long-Bellil, Melanie Jordan, and Linda Landry

Putting abilities to work in Massachusetts.

AGuidetoSocialSecurityBenetsandEmploymentforYoungPeople

withDisabilities


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www.WorkWithoutLimits.org2

GE GG


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Going to Work

ContentsThe Basics of Social Security Disability BenetsSSI and SSDI ................................................2

An Additional Benet Program: Childhood Disability Benet (CDB) ............................. ................3

How Earned Income Impacts SSI Benets and Medical Coverage ...................... .........................4

How Earned Income Impacts SSDI Benets and Medical Coverage ........................................ ....8

Methods for Maximizing Benets................................................................................................11

1. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) ..............................................................11

2. Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) .....................................................................12

3. Blind Work Expenses (BWE) ........................................................................................13

4. Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) ...................... ........................ .......................14

What Happens When a Young Person Turns 18? The Age 18 Review ................. ......................15

If You Are Helping a Young Person Determine the Impact of Employment on Benets .........17

Tips for Managing Social Security Disability Benets ................................................................18

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) ..........................20

Sample Ticket ...............................................................................................................................20

Resources .....................................................................................................................................22

Glossary of Terms .........................................................................................................................25

Consent for Release of Information Form ....................................................................................27

This guide gives a general overview of the

rules for Social Security work incentives for

Massachusetts in effect on the date this booklet

was published. Depending on circumstances,

Social Security uses several different nancial

limits to make its decisions. These amounts

change every year to keep up with the cost

of living. The amounts used in this guide are

accurate for 2010. Work Without Limits will

issue a supplemental insert each January with

updated information. You should contact the

Social Security Administration (SSA) and/or the

local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance

(WIPA) program for updates on any changes

and for individual information on particular

situations. (See contact information in the

Resources section of this booklet.)

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Notes


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Going to Work 5

Introduction Areyoutheparentofayoungpersonwhogetsdisability

benets?

Areyouaprofessionalworkingwithyoungpeoplewith

disabilitiesandtheirfamilies?

Areyouayoungpersonwithadisability?

AreyouwonderingwhathappenstoSocialSecurityorhealth

benetswhenayoungpersongoestowork?

Thenthisbookletisforyou!

This booklet will: ProvideyouwithbasicinformationaboutSocialSecurity

disabilityandhealthbenetprograms

TellyouwhathappenstoSocialSecuritydisabilityandhealth

benetswhenayoungpersongoestowork

Explainhowtomaximizeayoungpersonsoptionswhenheor

shegoestowork.

Knowledgeispower.Youngpeopleandtheirfamiliesareinthe

bestpositiontomakechoicesaboutworkingwhentheyhavegood

informationabouttheimpactofworkonbenets.TheSocial

SecurityandMedicaid/MassHealthprogramshave work incentivesthatcanhelpyoungpeoplegiveworkatry.Theseincentives

provideasafetynetincasethejobdoesnotworkout.

Thepurposeofthisbookletistogivefamiliesandprofessionals

workingwithyoungpeoplesomepractical,hands-oninformation

aboutworkincentives.Wealsohopethatyoungpeoplethemselves

willreadthisbookletandusetheinformationtohelpthemmake

thebestchoiceswhentheygotowork.

Terms to KnowSupplemental Security ncome (SS)Benet for people considered disabled (by Social Security standards)who have low incomes and low resources.

Social Security Disability nsurance (SSD)Benet for people considered disabled (by Social Security standards)who have worked enough to qualify for benets.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)The dollar amount of earnings that is the cutoff point for eligibilityfor disability benets. In 2010, SGA is set at the gross (before taxes)work earnings level of $1000 per month ($1640 for blind persons). SGAamounts change every year.

Earnings or Earned ncomeMoney from working; for example, the amount in a paycheck. Theterms gross earnings or gross earned income refer to the amounta person earns before taxes are deducted.

Medicaid/MassHealthThe health coverage program for people with disabilities and others. InMassachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth. In Massachusetts,SSI recipients automatically get MassHealth Standard benets.MassHealth CommonHealth is a program for people with disabilities

at any income level above the cutoff for MassHealth Standard.

MedicareThe federal program that provides health coverage to individuals whoreceive SSDI and other Social Security benets (not including SSI).

esourcesSocial Securitys term for what most people call assets. It includesanything you own, such as cash, a bank account, cars, stocks,business assets or other property that you can use to support yourself.

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The Basics of Social Security Disability Benets for Young People

*otes:Somepeoplereceivebenetsfrombothprograms.

Contactalegaladvocateorbenetsspecialistforinformationaboutcitizenship/residencyrequirements.

Thetablebelowprovidesaquick,basicoverviewofSocialSecuritydisabilitybenetsandtheimpactofincomefromworkonbenets.

Someofthetermsusedinthistableareexplainedinthesidebaronpage1.Moredetailsareprovidedintherestofthisguide.

here are two Social Security disability programs*:

SSSupplemental Security IncomeSSDSocial Security Disability Insurance, also referred to by Social Security simply as "Social Security benets"

SS SSD

equirements to qualify Disabled. Low income. Resource limit of $2000 ($3000 for married couple). Parental

resources are counted for youth under 18.

Earnings below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) levelof $1000/month. (Blind persons do not have to meet thisrequirement.)

Disabled. Earnings below the SGA level of $1000 per month ($1640 for

blind persons). Previously worked and paid Social Security taxes.

Effect of earnings oncash benets

Gradual reduction. All or nothing.

Medical coverage Medicaid/MassHealth Standard. Medicare.

Effect of earnings onmedical benets

Even if cash benets end, MassHealth Standard coveragecontinues until earnings are above $36,133 in 2010 ($36,982

for blind persons) or until resources are above the SSI limit. If earnings or resources are above these limits, the person may

be eligible for MassHealth CommonHealth.

When cash benets end, Medicare coverage stays in effect forup to 7-1/2 years.

MassHealth Standard and MassHealth CommonHealthmay also be available for current and former Medicarebeneciaries.


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SocialSecurityhasanadditionalbenetforadultswithdisabilitieswhoseparentshaveworkedenoughto

qualify.ThisbenetiscalledtheChildhoodDisabilityBenet(CDB).Togetthisbenet,ayoungpersonmustbe:

Disabledbeforeage22

18yearsofageorolder Sinceturning22,hasneverearnedmoneyatorabovethesubstantialgainfulactivity(SGA)level.

TheSGAlevelfor2010is$1000permonth($1640forblindpersons).

Unmarried(ormarriedtoanotherCDBorSSDIbenetsrecipient)

ThechildofaparentwhoworkedandisnowdeceasedorwhogetsSocial

Securityretirementordisabilitybenets

CDBrecipientsare like SSDI beneciariesinmanyways.Forexample,theygetMedicare,justlikeSSDI

beneciaries.TheyalsohavethesameworkincentiveprogramsasSSDIbeneciaries.

CDBrecipientsaredifferent than SSDI beneciariesbecausetheygetbenetsbasedontheirparentswork

recordsinsteadoftheirownandhavetomeetotherspecialcriteria.Inaddition,there are different rules for

getting back on CDB benets after they have ended due to work.

Youngpeopleunderage18canalsogetaSocialSecuritybenetiftheirparentshaveworkedenoughandarenow

deceasedorgettingSocialSecurityretirementordisabilitybenets.Thisbenethasasimilarname:ChildsBenet.

ToreceiveaChildsBenet,ayoungpersonunderage18doesnothavetohaveadisability.Ayoungpersonwith

adisabilitywhohasbeenreceivingaChildsBenetwillbecomeeligiblefortheChildhoodDisabilityBenetafter

turning18.

ItispossiblethatsomeonecangetbothCDBandSSIbenets.Afewpeoplemayevengetbenetsfromallthree

programs:CDB,SSDI,andSSI.

In this booklet, assume that the same rules apply to both SSDI and CDB recipients. If the rules are different in

certain cases, this booklet will make that clear.

IfyouhavequestionsabouthowCDBbenetsworkinaparticularsituation,contactalocalSSArepresentative,

benetsspecialist,oradvocate.

An Additional Benet: Social Security Childhood Disability Benet


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SSIcashbenetsgodowngraduallyasearningsfromworkgoup.Social

Securityusesgross(beforetaxes)earningstodecidehowmuchto

subtractfromtheSSIcheck.Hereishowtheamountisgured:

Therst$85ofearningsfromworkisnotcounted,inmostcases.*

Aftersubtractingthis$85fromthepersonsgrossearned

income,SocialSecuritydividestheremainingearningsbytwo.

Thisamount,calledcountableincome,isthensubtractedfrom

theamountoftheoriginalSSIcheck.Theamountleftoveristhe

amountofthepersonsadjustedmonthlySSIpayment.

*For example, Social Security only excludes $65 for people who get both

SSI and SSDI.

How Earned Income Impacts SSI Benets

Calculating the mpact of Earningsfrom Employment

In general, young people who get Social Securitycash benets (SSI or SSDI) will be better offnancially when they go to work, at least on apart-time basis. Work incentive programs allowpeople to work without having Social Security count

all their income when calculating how much thebeneciary should receive. How earnings and workincentives affect a young persons benets dependson the benet type. There are different rules for theSSI and SSDI programs. This section will help youunderstand how work affects benets.

Helpful Hint: When Social

Security Counts Earnings for SSSocial Security counts earnings for SSI bythe date the pay was issued, not earned. Forexample, a paycheck issued on May 5 for theweek ending April 28 counts for May.

If the Person Is Working

STEP ONE:(Gross Monthly Earnings from Job minus $85) divided by 2 =Countable ncome

STEP TWO:Amount of original SSI Check minus Countable Income =Adjusted SS Monthly Payment While Woring


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The 1619(a) Program: Keepingthe SSI Cash Benet andMassHealth Standard WhenWorking

SocialSecurityhasaprogramthatallowsSSIrecipientswhoworktokeeppartorall

oftheircashbenetandtheirMassHealth.

Thisiscalledthe1619(a) program.

NomatterhowsmalltheSSIcash

benetgetsasearningsincrease,

recipientsareautomaticallyentitled

totheirfullMassHealthcoverage,

aslongastheystaybelowtheSSI

resourcelimit.

Somepeoplewillearnenough

moneythattheirSSIpaymentwillbe

reducedtozerodollarsbasedonthe

calculationspreviouslydescribed.

Thisiscalledthebreak-even point.

Oncesomeonehasreachedthe

break-evenpoint,theywillstop

receivingcashbenetsunderthe1619(a)program.Thebreak-even

pointiscalculatedonacase-by-case

basis.ContactalocalSocialSecurity

representative,benetsspecialist,

orlegaladvocatetogetinformation

aboutthebreak-evenpointfora

specicindividual.

Example: Effect of Woring on SS

Casey is a 19-year-old high school graduate who lives on her own in a subsidized apartment. Shereceives $788.39 per month in SSI. She began working 28 hours per week in the mailroom at alarge law rm and now earns $10 per hour. Her gross earnings are $1120/month.

Her SSI check is reduced in proportion to her earnings. The rst $85 she earns has no impact onher SSI check. After that, her check is reduced $1 for every $2 she earns.

Monthly income prior to working

SSI benet 788.39Work earnings + 0.00

otal income $788.39

Monthly income when Casey works

SEP E:Work earnings 1120.00Income exclusions - 85.00Remaining 1035.00Divide by two 2Total countable income $517.50

SEP W:SSI Benet 788.39

Total countable income - 517.50Adjusted SSI payment $270.89

SEP HEE:Adjusted SSI payment 270.89Work earnings + 1120.00

otal income $1390.89

As you can see, Caseys overall income issignicantly higher when she is working.

Although her SSI check has been reduced,she is now getting $1120 from her job plus$270.89 from SSI for a total of $1390.89each month. This represents an incomeincrease of $602.50 per month. Becauseshe continues to receive an SSI cash benet,Casey also keeps full MassHealth coverage.



The 1619(b) Program: Keeping MassHealth StandardBeyond the Break-Even Point

SocialSecurityhasaprogramthatallowsSSIrecipientstokeeptheir

MassHealthcoverage,eveniftheyhavereachedthebreak-evenpointand

earntoomuchmoneytocontinuetogetSSIcashbenets.Thisiscalledthe

1619(b) program.

Underthe1619(b)program,MassHealthStandardcoverage

continuesuntilannualearningsreach$36,133($36,982forblind

persons).Thisiscalledthe threshold amount.Inaddition,their

resourcesmuststaybelowtheSSIlimitof$2000/singleindividual

or$3000/marriedcouple.Parentalresourcesarecountedforyouth

underage18.

Ifindividualsgrossearnedincomeisabovethisthresholdamount,

theymaybeabletostayonMassHealthStandardbyusingwork

incentiveprogramsthatallowthemtoreducetheamountof

incomethatSocialSecuritycountswhencalculatingtheirSSIcheck.

Theseworkincentiveprogramsinclude Impairment-Related Work

Expenses (IRWEs)andthePlan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).See

theMethodsforMaximizingBenetssectiontolearnmoreabout

theseworkincentives.Talktoabenetsspecialistoradvocatefor

moreinformation.

Insomesituations,individualswhoseearningsareabovethe

thresholdamountmaybeabletokeepMassHealthStandardby

provingthattheyhaveextraordinarymedicalexpenses.Social

Securitydecideswhethermedicalexpensesmeetthisstandardona

case-by-casebasis.

Anotheroptionforindividualswhoseearningsareabovethe

1619(b)thresholdamountortheSSIresourcelimitisaprogram

calledMassHealth CommonHealth,whichcoversmanyofthesame

servicesasMassHealthStandard.Seethesidebaratleftonthispage.

MassHealth for Young People with DisabilitiesWho Wor

Two types of MassHealth benets may be available to youngpeople with disabilities who get SSI or SSDI and who want to work:MassHealth Standard and MassHealth CommonHealth.

MassHealth Standard

This program automatically gives health coverage to SSI recipients.Other young people who are not on SSI may apply separately forMassHealth Standard. To be eligible for MassHealth Standard,a person must have a low income. However, there is no asset(resources) limit for MassHealth Standard benets that arerequested separately from SS benets.

MassHealth CommonHealth for Woring Adults

This program covers adults age 18 through 64 who are overthe income limit for MassHealth Standard but meet thesame disability standards and work at least 40 hours permonth. CommonHealth covers most of the same benets as theMassHealth Standard program. CommonHealth Working memberspay a monthly premium that increases as their income goes up. here are income or asset limits for the CommonHealth

Woring program. There is also a MassHealth CommonHealthprogram for people who are not working. People in theCommonHealth Non-Working program pay a substantial one-time

deductible, in addition to a premium if they are over age 18.

MassHealth CommonHealth for Children

The MassHealth CommonHealth program covers children underage 18 who meet the SSI disability standards but whose familyincome is too high to qualify for SSI or MassHealth Standard.Similar to the adult program, families pay a monthly premiumbased on their income. here are income or asset limitsfor the CommonHealth for Children program.


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How Can a Young Person Get Back on SSI Benets After Working?

Ifyoungpersonsstartsworkingandearningmoney abovethe 1619(b) threshold amount,

theirSSIeligibilitywillbesuspended.Thismeansthattheywillbeconsideredtemporarily

ineligibleforSSIcashbenets.(TheymaybeabletokeepMassHealthStandardasdescribed

onpage6.)

Manypeoplesearningsgoupanddown.Iftheirearningsgobackdownbelow the 1619(b)threshold amountwithintherst12monthsaftertheireligibilityissuspended,theymaybe

abletogetMassHealth Standard benets againwithouthavingtoreapply.

Iftheirearningsgobelowthe1619(a) break-even point,theymayalsobeabletogetSSI

cash benetsagain.

IfthepersonsSSIremainsinsuspensefor12consecutivemonths,theireligibilityis

consideredterminated.

Evenaftereligibilityhasterminated,itmaybepossibletogetbackonSSIbenetsby

contactingSocialSecurityandaskingfor expedited reinstatement (EXR).Thisdependsuponwhetherthedisabilityisthesameasorrelatedtothedisabilitythatoriginallyqualied

thepersonforSSIandothercircumstances.Ifapersonasksforexpeditedreinstatement

withinveyearsfromthemonthwhencashbenetsended,heorshecangetsixmonthsof

provisional benetswhilewaitingforadecision.

Itmayalsobepossibletostartoverwithanewapplication,althoughthisdoesnotinclude

provisionalbenets.ASocialSecurityclaimsrepresentativeshouldbeabletoexplainthe

prosandconsofeachprocess.

ote: It is important toreport any changes in theamount a person earns toSocial Security as soon asthose changes happen.



How Earned Income ImpactsSSDI BenetsSSDIbenetsworkdifferentlyfromSSI.TheSSDIprogram

doesnotincludeanoptionforreductionsinbenets.A

personreceivingSSDIeithergetsthefullcashbenetornobenetatall.SSDIworkincentivefeatureshavehelpedmany

peoplereturntowork.

The Trial Work Period (TWP)

SSDIbeneciariescantesttheirabilitytoworkwhilestill

gettingtheirfullcashbenetandMedicarebyusingthe

trial work period.Thetrialworkperiodisaperiodofnine

monthsduringwhichindividualscanworkandstillgettheirfullSSDIcheckandMedicare,regardlessofhowmuchmoney

theyearn.DuringtheTWP,beneciariescantesttheirability

toworkandstillgettheirbenets.

TheninemonthsoftheTWPcanbeconsecutive(one

aftertheother)orcanbespreadoutovera60-month

period(veyears).

Anymonthinwhichapersonearnsmore than $720

(2010amountadjustedannuallyforination)counts

as a TWP month.

Amonthinwhichanindividualearnsless than $720

(in2010)does not count asaTWPmonth.

AfterworkingandusingupthenineTWPmonths

(monthsinwhichearningswereover$720/month)over

a60-monthperiod(veyears),apersonautomatically

enterstheextendedperiodofeligibility(EPE).

Example: Effect of Woring on SSD

Jose is 21 years old and receives an SSDI check of $685 per month. He has started working32 hours per week as a data entry clerk in a local bank. He earns $9.50 per hour and has amonthly gross income of $1216.

During the rst nine months that he works, Jose uses his Trial Work Period (TWP), so his SSDIcheck is not affected. He receives both his paycheck and his full SSDI check. After his nine-month trial work period ends, Jose enters his 36-month extended period of eligibility (EPE).

Because Jose continues to earn over the 2010 SGA amount of $1000/month, the rstmonth of his EPE is his cessation month. He receives full SSDI benets for his cessationmonth and the following two months, regardless of how high his earnings are. These threemonths are called the grace period. After this point, he stops getting SSDI checks.

His SSDI benets can be reinstated within the 36-month EPE if his earnings stop or dropbelow the SGA level during that period. If Joses earnings are above the SGA level whenthe EPE ends, his eligibility for SSDI benets will terminate.

Monthly income during rst 12 monthsSSDI benet 685.00Work earnings + 1216.00


Monthly income after 12 months (TWP + grace period)

SSDI benet 0.00Work earnings + 1216.00


Because Jose is losing his SSDI due to earnings above the SGA level, if his earnings fallbelow the SGA level again within ve years he can le for expedited reinstatement ofbenets without having to reapply.

As you can see, for the rst 12 months that he works, Jose will take home $1216 morethan he made on SSDI benets alone. Once his SSDI check stops after the rst 12months of work, he will still be making $531 more per month than he received in SSDIbenets. With or without his SSDI cash benets, Jose comes out ahead when hewors. He will also be able to keep his Medicare for 93 months (about seven and a half

years) after the end of his TWP.



SSDI Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

Manypeopleworryaboutgoingtoworkbecausetheyareconcernedthattheirhealthmaygetworseorthat

theymaylosetheirjobatalaterdateandthenhaveahardtimegettingbackonbenets.Forthisreason,SSA

hascreatedtheextendedperiodofeligibility.TheEPEmakesiteasierforpeopletogetbackoncashbenets

duringacertainperiodoftimeaftertheystartworking.

TheEPEstartsrightafterthenine-monthtrialworkperiodandlastsfor36months(threeyears).

DuringtheEPE,adifferentearningslimitapplies.TheearningslimitthatappliesduringtheEPEis

thesubstantial gainful activity (SGA)level.In2010,theSGAlevelis$1000permonth($1640for

blindpersons).

ThersttimeindividualsearnmorethanSGAaftertheTWPends,theywillreceivetheircheckfor

threeadditionalmonths.Thisthree-monthperiodiscalledthegraceperiod.

IfearningsstayabovetheSGAlevelafter the grace period ends,benetswillbesuspended

andthepersonwill not receive a check.

DuringtheEPE,thepersonwillget a checkforanymonththattheirearningsdropbelowtheSGA

level.TheymustreportthischangetoSocialSecuritytogetacheck.

AftertheEPEends,ifapersonsearningsremainabovetheSGAlevel,cash benets will stop and

areconsideredterminated.

Ontheotherhand,ifearningsstaybelowthe$1000SGAlevel,monthaftermonth,without ever

going higher,thenbenetscontinuewithnotimelimit,evenaftertheEPEends.

AworkincentiveprogramknownasImpairment-RelatedWorkExpenses(IRWE)canbeusedto

staybelowtheSGAlevel;informationonIRWEisincludedlaterinthispublication.

Note:Undervery limited circumstances,itmaybepossibletoproveindividualswhoworkedforsixmonths

orlesshadanunsuccessful work attemptiftheystoppedworkingfordisability-relatedreasons.Forexample,

ifsomeonequitbecauseadisabilitygotworsewhenheorshewentbacktowork,thenthismaybeconsidered

anunsuccessfulworkattempt.Insomecases,provingthatindividualshadanunsuccessfulworkattemptmay

helpthemstayonSSDIandevengetbenetsforthemonthsthattheyworked.SocialSecuritywillnotmake

thisdeterminationautomatically.Individualsmusttakestepstoprovethattheirworkactivityqualiesasan

unsuccessfulworkattempt.

Helpful Hint: WhenSocial Security CountsEarnings for SSD

The rules for countingearnings for SSDI aredifferent than the rulesfor SSI. For SSDI, SocialSecurity counts by the date

the pay was earned, notissued. So, income earnedin June but paid in Julycounts as earned incomefor June and, if over $720(in 2010), would make Junecount as a TWP month.



How Can a Young Person Get Back on SSDI Benets After Working?

AfterSSDIbenetsendbecause a persons earnings are above the SGA level,heorshemayhave

threeoptions,dependingonthesituation,togetbackonbenetsifnecessary.

First,ifindividualsstopworkingduringtheEPE(therst36monthsaftertheTWP),thentheir

benetswillrestartautomaticallyaftertheyreportthechangetoSocialSecurity.

OncebenetshaveterminatedbecauseofworkaftertheEPE,expeditedreinstatement(EXR)

isafasterreapplicationoptionifdisabilitybenetsareagainneeded.Ifapersonasksfor

expeditedreinstatementwithinveyearsfromthemonthwhencashbenetsended,heorshe

cangetsixmonthsofprovisionalbenetswhilewaitingforadecision.ToqualifyforEXR,a

personsdisabilitymustbethesameasorrelatedtothedisabilitythatoriginallymadehimor

hereligibleforbenets.

Thethirdoptionistoreapply,whichmeansstartingfromscratchandlinganewapplication.

(Thisdoesnotincludeprovisionalbenets.)ASocialSecurityclaimsrepresentativeshouldbe

abletoexplaintheprosandconsofeachprocess.

Medicare Eligibility

SSDIbeneciariescankeeptheirMedicarecoverageforupto93months(aboutsevenandahalf

years)aftertheendoftheTWPunlessSocialSecuritydecidesthattheyarenotdisabled.Persons

mustpaythesameMedicarePartBandPartDpremiumsthattheypaidwhilereceivingcashbenets.

MedicarePartA,whichcovershospitalservices,continuestobefreeofchargeduringthistime

period.AfterfreeMedicarePartAbenetsendindividualscanbuyMedicarePartA,inadditionto

PartBandPartD,bypayingapremium.In2010,thatpremiumis$461permonth.

ote: he rules forreinstatement andreapplication are differentfor Childhood DisabilityBenets (CDB). Individualswho receive CDB benetsshould consult with a localSocial Security representative,legal advocate, or benets

specialist about how the rulesfor each process apply to them.



Methods for Maximizing BenetsSocialSecurityhasseveraladditionalprogramsthatreducetheimpactofwork

ondisabilitybenets.Theseworkincentivesallowindividualstosubtractcertain

work-relatedexpensesfromtheirincomeinordertomaintainSSI/SSDIeligibility

and/orreducetheamountofmoneytakenoutoftheirbenetcheck.Forfurther

informationonanyoftheseprograms,contactthelocalWorkIncentivesPlanningandAssistance(WIPA)program(seetheResourcessection)orchecktheSocial

Securitywebsite:www.ssa.gov/work/ResourcesToolkit/workincentives.html.

1. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)

IRWEsareexpensesforitemsandservicesapersonwithadisabilityneedsin

ordertowork.SocialSecuritygivesitsrecipientsanincentivetoworkbyexcluding

thesecostsfromthegrossearnedincomethatitcountsforboththeSSIandSSDI

programs.

Theitemsandservicesmustbeneededbecauseofthepersonsdisability.

ExamplesofitemsthatmayqualifyasanIRWEincludeattendantcare

services,transportationcosts,jobcoaching,medicaldevices,adaptive

equipment,medication,psychologicalevaluations,andtherapy.

ThelocalSocialSecurityofcedetermineswhetheraparticularexpenseis

deductibleasanIRWE.

Theexpensemustbepaidforbytheindividualandnotcoveredby

insuranceorotherwisepaidforbyanothersourceorafamilymember.

Thecostoftheexpenseisdeductedfromtheamountofearningsthat

SocialSecuritycounts.Forinstance,ifapersonearns$450butspends$50

onjobcoaching,SocialSecuritywouldonlycount$400ofearnings($450

minus$50=$400).

These expenses must be documented and reported to SSA to qualify for theexclusion.

Example: WE and SSD

Mai receives $650 per month in SSDI benets. In 2010,she begins a new job and earns $1100 per month beforetaxes. Because her wages are higher than the 2010 SGAlevel of $1000, without an IRWE Mai will stop getting herSocial Security benets following the end of her TWP andgrace period.

Mai uses the services of a job coach to help her withjob-related functions. Part of the cost of the job coachis paid for by the state vocational rehabilitation agency,

but Mai needs a few more hours of coaching, which shepays for out-of-pocket. These services cost her $200 permonth. By deducting an IRWE from her gross monthlywages, Mais countable income would be below SGA,allowing her to keep her SSDI benets.

SEP E:Work earnings 1100.00IRWE -200.00Remaining earnings $900.00

(Below SGA)

SEP W:Remaining earnings 900.00SSDI check + 650.00


As you can see, the IRWE helped Mai to eep her SSDbenets and more than double her usable income!



2. Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)

APASSplanisaworkincentivethatallowsanSSIrecipientage15orolder

toset aside(save)money,includingSSDIandotherSocialSecuritybenets,

forexpensestoachieveavocationalgoal.Theseset-asidefundswillnotbe

countedwhendeterminingapersonseligibilityortheamountoftheirSSI

cashbenet.ByusingaPASS,ayoungpersonmay:

1. Qualify for SSI

2. Keep SSI, even if they make too much money to qualify otherwise

3. Increase monthly SSI benets by setting aside income .

Moneysetasidedoesnotcountasincomeandalsodoesnotcount

towardsthe$2000limitonresources($3000forcouples)fortheSSI

program.ThisishowusingaPASSmayhelpsomeonequalifyforSSI.

ThetypesofthingsthataPASSplancancoverincludeeducation

andtrainingclasses,jobcoaching,transportation,initialcostsforpurchasingacarorvan,clothesforajob,itemstostartabusiness,

andequipmenttodoajob.

TheSocialSecurityAdministrationmustapproveaPASSplan.There

isaPASSapplicationform,whichisavailablefromtheSocialSecurity

websiteandofces.PASSplanapplicationsaresubmittedtothelocal

ofce,whichforwardsthemontotheregionalofceforreview.

APASSplanistime-limited,baseduponthetimeframethatis

outlinedintheapprovedplan.Typically,theyareapprovedin

18-monthblocksoftime.

TeamsofSocialSecurityspecialists,calledPASScadres,areavailable

foradvice.WIPAspecialistscanhelpprepareapplications.Seethe

Resourcessectionofthisbookletforcontactinformation.

ItispossibletohaveaPASSplanforoneormoreexpensesandatthe

sametimehaveanIRWEforotherwork-relatedexpensesnotcovered

bythePASS.

WE PASS

No time limitcan beongoing

Time-limited, based onapproved time period

Based on current workneeds

Based on a future workgoal

Items or servicesnecessary to continueworking (medication,

transportation, personalcare, accommodations)

Items or servicesnecessary to reachwork goal (training,

education, car, self-employment equipment)

Item is needed becauseof disability

Item is not necessarilyrelated to disability

Available to people onSSI or SSDI

Available to people onSSI (using a PASS mayallow SSDI recipients toqualify for SSI)

Requires phone call torequest and proof suchas invoices or receipts

Requires an applicationthat must be approvedby SSA

WE AD PASS: Whats the Difference?



3. Blind Work Expenses (BWEs)

IfapersonreceivesSSIandisblind,they

canexcludeexpensesneededtowork(not

necessarilyrelatedtothedisability)from

theirgrossearnedincomewhenSocial

Securitydecidesontheamountoftheir

SSIcheck.TheseexpensesarecalledBlind

WorkExpenses(BWEs).Examplesinclude

transportationtoandfromwork,federal

andstateincometaxes,SocialSecurity

taxes,uniondues,translationofmaterials

intoBraille,andguidedogexpenses.These

expensesmustbedocumentedandreported

toSSAtoqualifyfortheexclusion.

Intheexampleontheright, if Marcus

were legally blind, then he could deduct

any expenses that he paid in order to

work.UnlikeImpairment-RelatedWork

Expenses,BlindWorkExpensesdonothave

toberelatedtothepersonsdisability.

Forexample,Marcuscoulddeductthe

costoftransportationtoworkregardless

ofwhetherhisblindnessrequiredany

specializedarrangement.Hecouldalso

deductexpensessuchasincometaxesanduniondues.Ofcourse,costsrelated

toblindnessarealsoincluded,sohecould

deductexpensesforitemssuchasadaptive

computersoftwareorguidedogservices.

ThiscouldresultinMarcuspreserving

muchofhisSSIcashbenet.

Example: WE and SS

Marcus is 22 years old and lives in his own apartment. He receives $788.39 per month in SSI. Then hebegins a new job that pays him gross monthly earnings of $1000.

Marcus has a physical disability. He cannot use available public transportation and cannot drive himself.Therefore, he pays a driver to transport him to his job as well as a personal care attendant to assist himwith getting bathed and dressed for work. These services cost Marcus $300 per month and qualify asimpairment-related work expenses. Marcus can reduce the impact of his earnings on his countable incomeby deducting IRWEs from his gross monthly wages.



otal income $788.39

Monthly income while working

SEP E:Work earnings 1000.00Income exclusions - 85.00IRWES - 300.00Remaining earnings $615.00

SEP W:Remaining earnings 615.00Divide by two 2

Total countable income $307.50

SEP HEE:SSI benet 788.39Total countable income - 307.50Adjusted SSI payment $480.89

SEP FU:Adjusted SSI payment 480.89Work earnings + 1000.00


As you can see, the WE helpedMarcus to nearly double hisusable income!



4. Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

TheStudentEarnedIncomeExclusionisaworkincentive

thatallowsqualiedyoungpeoplewhoareinschoolto

keepsomeoralloftheirearningswithoutlosingmoney

fromtheirSSIchecks.IfanSSIrecipientisastudentunder

theageof22,SocialSecuritycanexcludeupto$1640of

earningsinamonthfromhisorhercountableearnings

forSSIpurposes.Themaximumannualexclusionis$6600

(2010gures).Theseamountscanchangeannuallyto

keepupwithination.Toqualifyforthisexclusion,the

studentmustbe:

Incollegeoruniversityforatleasteighthoursa

week,or

Ingrades7-12foratleast12hoursaweek,or

Inatrainingcoursetoprepareforemploymentforatleast12hoursaweek(15hoursaweekina

courseinvolvingshoppractice)

StudentsmaybeeligiblefortheSEIEiftheyarein

schoolforlesstimethanindicatedaboveduetoreasons

beyondtheircontrol,suchasillness.Inaddition,a

homeboundstudentmaybeeligibleforthisexclusion

insomecircumstances.ContactalocalSocialSecurity

representative,benetsspecialist,orlegaladvocatefor

moreinformation.

(same amount, because under the maximum allowed)

(nothing deducted, because all earnings are excluded)

Example: SEE and SS

Marta is a 15-year-old high school student who lives with herparents. Because some of her parents income is deemed to beavailable to her, she receives a monthly SSI check of 385.25. Aspart of her Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Marta has a part-

time job in the schools canteen. She works ten hours per weekand earns $8.50 per hour. Her total monthly income is $340.Because she is a student, Marta can use the Student EarnedIncome Exclusion, which allows her to exclude her earnings upto $1640 per month (up to a total of $6600 per year) from hercountable income for SSI.



otal income $385.25

Monthly income while working

SEP E:Work earnings $340.00SEIE -340.00Total countable earnings $0.00

SEP W:


725.25Total SSI deduction -0.00

otal income $725.25

n Martas case, all of her wor earnings are excluded,and there is no impact on her benets.



What Happens When a YoungPerson Turns 18?The Age 18 Review

WhenayoungpersonwhogetsSSIturns18,theSocialSecurityAdministrationreevaluateshisorhereligibility

undernewmedicalstandardsdesignedforadults.This

reviewiscalledanAge 18 Review.

Theadultdisabilitystandardsaredifferentthanthe

disabilitystandardsforchildren.Insomecases,Social

Securitywilldecidethattheyoungpersonis disabled

undertheadultstandardandheorshewillcontinueto

receiveSSIandMassHealthStandardbenets.Inother

cases,SocialSecuritywilldecidethattheyoungpersonis not disabled,andthereforenot eligibleforSSIunder

theadultstandard.Typically,thiswouldresultina

terminationofSSIbenetsandpossiblyMassHealth

Standard.

If SSA decides that a young person is not disabled

during the Age 18 Review, he or she may keep

receiving SSI benets by ling an appeal within 10

days along with a request that benets be continued.

hings to hin About When a Young Person urns 18

There are several things that young people and their families may want to thinkabout to help them prepare for the future, starting about a year before theyoung person turns 18. Considerations include:

Who can provide evidence of their disability to Social Security for the Age 18Review?

Who will they live with (e.g., alone, or with family or roommates) and howwill that affect the amount of their SSI check?

Will their income or resources change when they turn 18? For example, willthey inherit money or lose other public benets or child support?

Can they manage their own benets, or do they need a representative payee?Is there a trustworthy person who can be the representative payee?

Have they made future educational or vocational plans? How can worincentives help them reach these goals?

Who can help them achieve their employment and other goals? Would areferral to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or other services(e.g., occupational therapy, counseling) be appropriate?

Should they contribute any of their income or resources towards a PASS plan?If a PASS plan already exists, does it need to be amended to account for anychanges in income or other factors?

If SSA decides that they are no longer disabled after age 18, will SocialSecurity continue their benets under Section 301 (see next page)? Whatsteps can they take ahead of time to qualify for the 301 Continuation Period?

This checklist is adapted from a more detailed version developed by VirginiaCommonwealth University called Age 18 Benets Check-Up for YouthTransition Demonstration Participants. It can help other young people and theirfamilies prepare for benet changes that may occur at age 18. The checklist isavailable at www.worsupport.com/documents/transitiontool2.pdf

Virginia Commonwealth University also has other helpful information fortransition-age youth under the heading Resources on its website, www.worsupport.com.



Another Option for Keeping Benets: The Section 301Continuation Period for People Turning 18

SocialSecurityhasaspecialprogramthatallowspeoplewhoareactivelypursuing

work-relatedgoalstokeeptheirSSIandMassHealthStandardbenets,evenwhen

SocialSecurityhasdecidedthattheyarenotdisabledundertheadultstandard.

ThisprogramiscalledtheSection301Continuationbenet.Todecidewhetheraparticularpersoniseligible,SocialSecurityreviewseachcaseindividuallyanddecides

whethersomeonesactivitiesarelikelytopreventhimorherfromneedingdisability

benetsinthefuture.Youngpersonswillautomaticallymeetthisrequirementifthey

arebetweentheagesof18and21andhaveanIndividualizedEducationPlan(IEP)in

placethatmeetscertainstandards.

Youngpersonsmayalsomeetthisrequirementiftheyareparticipatinginan

appropriatevocationalrehabilitation(VR)program prior to thedatethatSocial

Securitydecidedthattheywerenotdisabledundertheadultdisabilitystandards

and for at least two months afterwards.SocialSecuritylooksateachvocationalprogramindividuallytodecidewhetheritisappropriateandtodeterminewhether

itislikelytopreventapersonfromseekingdisabilitybenetsinthefuture.

Afewexamplesofvocationalplansandprogramsthatmightbeincludedinthis

categoryare:

APASSPlan

AnIndividualPlanforEmployment(IPE)withtheMassachusetts

RehabilitationCommission(MRC),thestatevocationalrehabilitationagency

inMassachusetts AnIndividualWorkPlan(IWP)withaTickettoWorkEmploymentNetwork

(seeinformationaboutTicketToWorkonpage20)

Aprogramofvocationalrehabilitation,employment,orothersupport

servicesunderasimilarIndividualizedWrittenEmploymentPlanwitha

federalagency,One-StopCenter/deliverysystem,orotherproviderapproved

bySSA(suchasapublic,private,orparochialschool).

Wor ncentives and the EP

Under the Individuals with Disabilities in EducationAct (IDEA) of 2004, youth receiving specialeducation services are entitled to transition

planning starting at age 14, or sooner, if theIndividualized Education Planning team determinesit appropriate. The transition planning processprovides a unique opportunity to focus on how workincentives can help youth with disabilities plan afuture that includes employment. Work incentivescan help reassure young people and their familiesthat young people can work and take steps towardfuture education and employment and still have asafety net in place.

Ways that work incentives can facilitate transitionplanning include:

A PASS plan can be used to achieve goals suchas saving for college or job development services.

Young people under age 22 who work while inschool may be eligible for the Student EarnedIncome Exclusion. This work incentive canencourage students to include part-time work intheir transition plans, thereby preparing them for

work as adults.

The Section 301 Continuation benet can helpstudents who have an IEP or are participating in avocational or employment program to keep theirSSI benets even if they are no longer considereddisabled under Social Security standards afterthe age of 18.



If You Are Helping a Young PersonDetermine the Impact of Employment onBenets

Youneedtoknow: Thepersonsage

Thebenetsthepersongets(SSI,SSDI,CDB,oracombination)

Theamountofthemonthlypayment

Ifunsure,youcanrequestthisinformationinwritingfromSocialSecurity,

withasignedreleasefromtheparentorguardianiftheyouthisunderage18.

Personsoverage18cansignforthemselvesunlesstheyhaveaguardianor

arepresentativepayee,inwhichcasethatpersonsignsthereleaseinstead.A

representativepayeereceiveschecksinabeneciarysname.SocialSecurityhasaformtitledConsentforReleaseofInformation(formSSA-3288),whichis

includedattheendofthispublication.Theformisalsoavailableat

www.ssa.gov/online .

Informtheyoungpersonaboutworkincentives(IRWE,PASS,etc.)and

makesuggestionsonhowtousethem.

Remindtheyoungpersonthatincomeandjobchanges(employment

startsandstops,anewjob,ajobloss)mustbereportedtoSocial

Securityassoonastheyhappen.

IftheyoungpersonisonSSIandwillstayonitwhenheorshestarts

working,remindhimorherthatresourcesmuststaybelowthe$2000

limit($3000foramarriedcouple).Foryouthunderage18,parental

resourcesmustremainbelow$2000(ifachildliveswithoneparent)or

under$3000(ifthechildliveswithtwoparents).Otherwisetheperson

canloseSSIandpossiblyMassHealthStandardcoverage.Note:Young

peopleinthissituationmaybeeligibleforMassHealthCommonHealth

andshouldcontacttheMassHealthprogramassoonaspossibleto

preventaninterruptionincoverage.

What Happens to Benets f a Young PersonGets Funding for College or ther Education/raining Beyond High School?

Social Security does not count as income any federal studentnancial aid received under the Higher Education Act, such as Pellgrants and work-study funds. There is no time limit on this exclusion.

Specic examples include funds from the following federal educationalassistance programs:

Work-Study Programs

Pell Grants

State Student Incentives

Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships

Byrd Scholars

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Educational Loans (Federal PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans,Stafford Loans, Ford Loans, etc.)

Upward Bound

Gear Up (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness forUndergraduate Programs)

LEAP (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership)

SLEAP (Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership)

State educational assistance programs, including wor-study,funded by LEAP or SLEAP

Some other forms of nancial aid for education may be subject tospecial rules. Check with a Social Security representative, legaladvocate, or benets specialist for more information.

Note: It is often a good idea to put any education-related funds into aseparate account. This arrangement can help show Social Security thatthese funds are intended only for educational expenses and should notbe counted in the same way as other income or resources. A separateaccount can help prevent any misunderstanding about these funds thatmight otherwise cause an interruption in benets.



Tips for Managing Social Security Benets

Referyoungpersonsforfurtherinformationand/orbenetscounseling(seethe

Resourcessectioninthisbooklet).

DevelopagoodrelationshipwiththelocalSocialSecurityofce.

Armyourselfwithinformation:Learnaboutthedifferentprogramsandlearnasmuchasyoucanabouttheimpactofemploymentonbenets.

DonotrelysolelyonwhattheSocialSecurityrepresentativestellyouverbally.Some

representativesdealmainlywithretireebenetsandonlyoccasionallywithdisability

benets.Thereforetheirknowledgemaybelimited.

Additionalhelpisavailablelocallytodirectlyassistyouthandfamilieswithmanaging

benets,includinglegalandadvocacyorganizations.TheSSAsponsorsanetworkof

WorkIncentivesPlanningandAssistance(WIPA)programsthroughoutthecountry.In

Massachusetts,thetwoWIPAprogramsarerunbytheMassachusettsRehabilitationCommissionandtheCenterforHealthPolicyandResearchattheUniversityof

MassachusettsMedicalSchool,andareresponsiblefordifferentpartsofthestate.(See

theResourcessectionforcontactinformation.)

DiscussthebestmethodforreportingearningswiththelocalSocialSecurityofce.This

isparticularlyimportantifarecipientsearningsvaryfrommonthtomonth.SSIand

SSDIbeneciariesshouldkeepgoodrecordsconcerningworkhistory,wages(paystubs),

andbenetsreceived.

MakeandkeepcopiesofeverythingsenttotheSSA.Sendimportantletters(e.g.,

appeals)bycertiedletter,returnreceiptrequested.

KeepawrittenrecordofallphonecallstotheSSAwhomyouspoketo,dateandtime,

informationgivenandreceived.Alwaysfollowupanysubstantivephoneconversations

inwriting.

RespondquicklytoalllettersfromtheSSA.

Dealing with verpaymentsBe aware that the Social SecurityAdministration (SSA) sometimes willsend checks that should not havebeen issued. The recipient will thenget an overpayment notice andwill be told to pay the money back.This may be because the recipientneglected to report a wage increase,

or it may be because the SSA madea mistake. To avoid hardship, therecipient may want to set asidefunds not due to them in a separatebank account. If a recipient feelshe or she should not have to returnthe funds, that person has 60 daysto le an appeal or a waiver form.If the person does not qualify for anappeal or waiver, it may be possible

to work out a payment plan.


23/34

Going to Work 19

Ifayoungpersongoesintothehospital,andwillbeinforatleast

amonth,theSSAshouldbenotiedimmediatelytohelppreserve

benets.

AnindividualhastherighttoappealanydecisionthattheSSAmakes.

Upto60daysareallowedtoleanappeal.SSIrecipients

cankeepgettingtheirchecksduringtherstappealifthey

appealwithintendaysofreceivingtherstdecisionletter

fromSocialSecurityandrequestthatbenetscontinue.This

iscalledtheten-dayrule.SSDIandCDBrecipientscanuse

theten-dayruleonlywhenappealingdecisionsthattheir

disabilityhasendedafteracontinuingdisabilityreview.

CheckwithalocalSocialSecurityofce,legaladvocate,

orbenetsspecialisttondoutwhethertheten-dayrule

appliesinindividualsituations.

Housing Benets: ent Freeze Worncentives

People who live in public or subsidized housing have yetanother concern related to going to work. They face thepotential for a rent increase when their income goesup due to starting a new job. There are regulations inplace that allow eligible tenants to have their new workearnings not count for up to two years. These policies

vary depending upon the type of housing subsidy involved.For more information, contact the Massachusetts LawReform Institute at 617-357-0700 or Greater BostonLegal Services Housing Unit at 617-371-1234 or 800-323-3205. If a person is a recipient of Federal Public Housingor a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, ask about theSelf-Sufciency Incentive. If a person is a recipientof State Public Housing and/or has vouchers from theMRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program) or AHVP(Alternative Housing Voucher Program), ask about the

Earned Income Exclusion. The Institute for CommunityInclusion offers a publication called MassachusettsPublic and Subsidized Housing enants: know Yourights! Get a ent Freeze When You Go to Wor,which can be found at www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=194.


24/34


The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999

OnDecember17,1999,PresidentClintonsignedtheTickettoWorkandWorkIncentivesImprovementActof1999(TWWIIA).This

lawwasdesignedtoassistpeoplewithdisabilitiesingoingtoworkwhileaddressingconcernsoverbenetloss.Itincludesseveral

importantopportunitiesforpeoplewhoreceiveSocialSecuritydisabilitybenets.TheTickettoWorkallowspeoplereceivingSocial

Securitydisabilitybenetstoobtainassistanceinndingemploymentatavendor/serviceoftheirchoice.

What s the icet to Wor Program?TheTicketprogramisanemploymentinitiativeoftheSocial

SecurityAdministration.TheprogramoffersSocialSecurity

disabilitybeneciariesage18to64greaterchoicesinobtaining

theservicestheyneedtohelpthemgotowork.Participationin

theTicketprogramdoesnotautomaticallyaffectthepersons

SocialSecuritycashbenet.Shouldearningsincreaseasa

resultofgettingajobthroughtheTicketsassistance,thencash

benetsmaybechangedaccordingly.

When Did the icet Program Begin?TheTicketprogrambeganin2002andwasphasedinnationally

overatwo-yearperiod.Massachusettshasparticipatedsince

thebeginningphaseofthisprocess.

What Does a icet Loo Lie?TheTicketisapaperdocumentthathassomepersonal

informationandsomegeneralinformationabouttheTicket

program.SeethesampleTicketatrightorgotowww.ssa.gov/

work/Ticket/newTicketImage.html.

How Does a Person with a Disability Get a icet?SSAisworkingwithanorganizationnamedMaximus,Inc.,inMcLean,VirginiawhichishelpingtomanagetheTicketprogram.Whena

youngSSIorSSDIrecipientturns18,SocialSecuritywillreviewtheindividualsdisabilitystatusandMaximuswillautomaticallysend

theTicketinthemailwithaletterexplainingtheprogramtothoseindividualsdeterminedeligibletoreceiveone.


25/34

Going to Work 21

t

iCkE

tto

f a Person Gets a icet, Does He or She Have to Use t?No.TheTicketprogramisvoluntary.

Where Does a Person ae His or Her icet to GetServices?ThepersontakestheTickettowhatthelawcallsan Employment

Network.EmploymentNetworksareprivateorganizations

orpublicagencies(suchastheMassachusettsRehabilitation

Commission/MRC)thathaveagreedtoworkwithSocialSecurityto

provideservicesunderthisprogram.Insomesituations,schools

canapplytobecomeEmploymentNetworksforstudents18to21

yearsofagewhoreceiveSSIorSSDI.

How Does a Person Find ut About Employmentetwors?Theprogrammanager,Maximus,sendspeoplewithdisabilities

alistoftheapprovedEmploymentNetworksintheirlocalarea

alongwiththeTicket.EmploymentNetworksmayalsodirectly

contactpeoplewithdisabilitiestooffertheirservices.This

informationisavailableontheSocialSecuritywebsiteatwww.

ssa.gov/work/who_can_help.htm#EN.

How Does a Person Choose an Employment etwor?PeoplewithdisabilitiescancontactanyEmploymentNetwork

intheirlocalareatoseeifitistherightoneforthem.BoththeindividualwithadisabilityandtheEmploymentNetworkhaveto

agreetoworktogether.

Can a Person Change Employment etwors?Yes.Peoplewithdisabilitieshavetherighttostopworkingwith

oneEmploymentNetworkandbeginworkingwithanotherone.

Beforeindividualsmakethisdecision,however,theyshould

makesuretheyfullyunderstandhowthenewEmployment

Networkplanstohelpmeettheiremploymentgoals.

f a Person hrows a icet Away by Mistae, Can He orShe Still Participate in the Program?Yes.YoucancontactMaximusifyouhavelostyourTicketor

youhavequestionsaboutTicketeligibility.However,youdonot

needyouractualpaperTickettoparticipate.AnyEmployment

NetworkcanelectronicallycheckyoureligibilityforTicket

Services.

How Can Get More nformation about the icetProgram?Contact the program manager:

MaximusCorporationVoice:866-968-7842

TTY:866-833-2967

www.maximus.com/corporate/pages/youthdisabperssvs.asp

You can also contact the Social Security Administration:

Voice:800-772-1213

TTY:800-325-0778

Email:[email protected]

www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/ticket_info.html

Pamphletsandotherwrittenmaterialsareavailableatlocal

SocialSecurityofces.InformationabouttheTicketprogram

isalsoavailablefrommanyotherprivateandgovernment

organizationsthathelppeoplewithdisabilities.


26/34


Social Security Administration (SSA)

ationalMailing AddressSocial Security AdministrationOfce of Public Inquiries6701 Security Blvd.Room 4-C-5 AnnexBaltimore, MD 21235Social Security Toll-Free NumberVoice: 800-772-1213

TTY: 800-325-0778Call between 7:00am7:00pm any business day.

Social Security has local ofces throughout the US. Addressesfor regional and local ofces are located in the Blue Pagessection of the phone book or under US Government. Regionaland local ofces can also be found through the Social SecurityAdministration website.

WebsiteThe Social Security Administration has a very comprehensive and

user-friendly website with extensive information, publications, andforms available. In addition to the main website, specic sectionsare dedicated to disability issues:

Social Security Online: www.ssa.gov Employment Support for People with Disabilities: www.ssa.

gov/work Benets for People with Disabilities: www.ssa.gov/disability

Each of the regional ofces also has a website, which can beaccessed through www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov.

RESOURCESThe organizations described in this resources section can help individuals with their Social Security work incentives and benets questions. They may also be available toprovide assistance to parent and professional groups that work with young people. Consider inviting one of these resources to provide periodic benets information andtraining to young people, their families, and interested professionals as a regular activity at your organization or school.

Social Security Publications

The Social Security Administration has an extensive number of publications on issues relatedto disability benets. Some of the publications available include:

Understanding the Benets (Publication No. 05-10024) Benets for Children with Disabilities (Publication No. 05-10026) Disability Benets (Publication No. 05-10029) Social Security Disability Benets (Publication No. 05-10153) What You Need to Know When You Get SSI (Publication No. 05-11011)

Supplemental Security Income (Publication No. 05-11000) Working While Disabled How We Can Help (Publication No. 05-10095) Work Incentives for People with DisabilitiesRed Book (Publication No. 64-030) Working While Disabled: A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support

(Publication No. 05-11017) If You Are Blind or Have Low Vision How We Can Help (Publication No. 05-10052) Ticket to Work and Self-Sufciency Program (Publication No. 05-10061) If You Are Self-Employed (Publication No. 05-10922), Your Right to Question the Decision to Stop Your Disability Benets

(Publication No. 05-10090)

How Social Security Can Help with Vocational Rehabilitation (Publication No. 05-10050) A Guide for Representative Payees (Publication No. 05-10076) Medicare (Publication No. 05-10043) Help Available to Pay Costs of Medicares New Prescription Drug Program

(Publication No. 05-10129)

These and many other publications are available free of charge through the website(www.ssa.gov/pubs/englist.html#ssi), at local Social Security ofces, or by calling thetoll-free number. Most are also available in Spanish and alternative formats.

RESOURCES


27/34

Going to Work 23

Wor ncentives Planning andAssistance (WPA) ProgramsSSA has funded a national network of Work IncentivesPlanning and Assistance programs. WIPA programsprovide counseling to help individuals understand theimpact of work on their benets. Persons who receive

SSI, SSDI, and/or CDB benets can get these servicesfree of charge from the Massachusetts programslisted below.

Project mpactStatewide Employment ServicesMassachusetts Rehabilitation CommissionVoice: 617-204-3854/800-734-7475TTY: 617-204-3834; Fax: 617-204-3847Website: www.mass.gov/mrc(then click Benet Programs)

Serves the counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes,Nantucket, Plymouth, Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk.

BenePLACenter for Health Policy and Research,University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolVoice: 508-856-2659/877-937-9675 (877-YES-WORK)Website: www.beneplan.orgServes the counties of Berkshire, Franklin,

Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Worcester.

Plan for Achieving Self-Support(PASS)Boston Regional PASS Cadre(for all of Massachusetts)Voice: 781-595-2301/800-297-4291Fax: 781-581-1702

icet to Wor Program ManagerMaximus CorporationVoice: 866-968-7842; TTY: 866-833-2967Website: www.maximus.com/corporate/pages/youthdisabperssvs.asp

Benets Management SoftwareWorkWORLD Software developed by theEmployment Support Institute to help individuals withdisabilities calculate how employment will affectSocial Security and other benets. For informationabout how to use and purchase this software:

Employment Support InstituteAttention: WorkWORLD SupportVirginia Commonwealth UniversitySchool of Business

1015 Floyd Avenue; P.O. Box 844000Richmond, VA 23284-4000Voice: 804-828-2665Email: [email protected]: www.workworld.org

Massachusetts ehabilitationCommission (MC)Charles Carr, Commissioner

27 Wormwood Street, Suite 600Boston, MA 02110Voice: 617-204-3600Fax: 617-727-1354Website: www.mass.gov/mrc

MRC is the state Vocational Rehabilitation agencythat directly provides, funds, and contracts for avariety of services focused on employment andindependence for people with disabilities. For a

listing of local area MRC ofces, go to www.mass.gov/mrc and click on Vocational Rehabilitation areaofces.

he ransition to AdulthoodProgram (AP)Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)Contact: Jim Durant, Turning 22 ProgramVoice: 617-204-3626TTY: 617-204-3815Website: www.mass.gov/mrc

The TAP program at MRC is designed to servethe needs of transition-age young people withdisabilities through services available at fourindependent living centers throughout the state.

Massachusetts Commission forthe Blind (MCB)Janet LaBreck, Commissioner48 Boylston StreetBoston, MA 02116Voice: 800-392-6450/617-727-5550; TTY:800-392-6556Fax: 617-727-5960Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mass.gov/mcb

MCB provides services to citizens of Massachusettswho are blind. MCB offers vocational rehabilitation,independent living social services, home careand respite assistance, radio reading programs,resource information, community systems advocacy,and residential and day services.

RESOURCES

RESOURCES


28/34


Legal and Advocacyrganizations

Disability Law Center (DLC)11 Beacon Street, Suite 925Boston, MA 02108Voice: 800-872-9992/617-723-8455

TTY: 800-381-0577/617-227-9464Fax: 617-723-9125Email: [email protected]: www.dlc-ma.org

DLC provides information, referral, advice, and counselregarding legal rights and services for people withdisabilities. The agency also provides legal services,including Social Security representation, to eligiblepeople and groups whose cases meet DLC priorities.

The organization operates a speakers bureau withexperienced lawyers and paralegals who discuss theirareas of expertise, including Social Security issues,with community groups, public and private agencies,and other advocacy organizations. DLC producespublications on a variety of disability law issues.

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)197 Friend StreetBoston, MA 02114

Voice: 800-323-3205/617-371-1228TTY: 617-371-1228; Fax: 617-371-1222Website: www.gbls.org

GBLS provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistanceto low-income people in Boston and 31 additionalcities and towns. Help offered ranges from legaladvice to full case representation, depending on clientneed.

ndependent LivingCenters (LCs)ILCs are a national network of private,nonprot, consumer-controlled,community-based organizations thatprovide services and advocacy by and

for persons with all types of disabilities.Core services at all centers includeinformation and referral, independentliving skills training, peer counseling,and individual and systems advocacy.ILCs may also provide a variety of otherservices, such as personal assistanceservices and housing advocacy. For moreinformation, and to locate ILCs in yourlocal area, see these websites:

Massachusetts RehabilitationCommission:www.mass.gov/mrc(click Independent Living)

Massachusetts Statewide IndependentLiving Council:www.masilc.org

RESOURCES

Massachusetts Law eform nstitute (ML)99 Chauncy Street, 5th FloorBoston, MA 02111Voice: 617-357-0700Fax: 617-357-0777Website: www.mlri.org

MLRI is a nonprot statewide legal services support center. Theorganizations mission is to represent low-income people, elders, andpeople with disabilities in their struggles for basic human needs; todefend against measures that harm people living in poverty; to advocatefor systemic reforms that achieve social justice; and to provide supportthat will enable others to carry out these objectives.

Federation for Children with Special eeds1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420Boston, MA 02120Voice: 800-331-0688 (in MA)

Website: www.fcsn.org

The Federation is a parent advocacy organization that can assist familieswith transition issues.

Massachusetts fce on Disability (MD)One Ashburton Place, #1305Boston, MA 02108Voice: 617-727-7440Voice/TTY: 800-322-2020Fax: 617-727-0965Website: www.mass.gov/mod

MOD is a state agency whose purpose is to bring about full and equalparticipation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Servicesinclude helping people to learn about the rights of and services availableto people with disabilities. Information, referral, and advocacy areavailable in areas such as vocational rehabilitation, independent living,accessible housing, transportation, architectural and communicationsaccess, education, employment and the ADA, and civil rights.

GLOSSARY


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Going to Work 25

Blind Wor ExpensesBWEA work incentive involving funds that people who are blind spend in order to work (notnecessarily related to the disability). Social Security does not count these expenseswhen it calculates countable income for SSI purposes. Examples of these expenses:transportation to and from work, federal and state income taxes, Social Securitytaxes, union dues, translation of materials into Braille, and guide dog expenses.

Childhood Disability BenetCDBA benet for people considered disabled whose parents have worked enoughto qualify for benets and who are now deceased or getting Social Securityretirement or disability benets.

Earnings or Earned ncomeMoney from working; for example, the amount in a paycheck.

Expedited einstatementEXA process for getting back on benets that a person can request without havingto start over with a new application. People who ask for EXR can receive up to sixmonths of provisional benets.

Extended Period of EligibilityEPEA 36-month (three-year) period of time during which a person can still receive anSSDI check if earnings drop below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level.

mpairment-elated Wor ExpenseWEA work incentive that can be used to help reduce the impact of earnings on SocialSecurity disability benets (SSI and SSDI). IRWEs include the reasonable cost ofitems and services (e.g., attendant care, medical or prosthetic devices, drugs andmedical services, residential modications, special transportation) that, becauseof a disability, a person needs and uses in order to work. The expense must bepaid for by the individual, not covered by insurance or otherwise reimbursed

from another source. The cost of these items and services is deducted from theearnings that Social Security uses to gure out if someone is making SGA.

ncome Exclusion

An amount of money that is not counted when Social Security decides how muchit will pay in a benet check. Social Security has several income exclusions forthings like earned income, certain work expenses, and other items.

MedicaidThe joint federal-state health benets program for people with disabilitiesand others who qualify. In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.MassHealth Standard is for people with low incomes, including people withdisabilities. In Massachusetts, SSI recipients automatically get MassHealthStandard benets. MassHealth CommonHealth is a program for people with

disabilities at any income level above the cutoff for MassHealth Standard.There are CommonHealth programs for workers and also for non-workers withdisabilities.

MedicareA federal health insurance program typically connected with SSDI and CDBbenets. Part A covers hospital insurance while Part B provides supplementalmedical insurance. Beneciaries receive Medicare after 24 continuous months onSSDI, and must pay certain deductibles and co-insurance fees. Part B also requirespayment of a monthly premium that is usually deducted from the SSDI benet

check. Part D prescription drug coverage is a new program that became available asof January 2006. Toll-free Medicare hotline: 800-633-4227.

verpaymentIt is not uncommon for recipients to receive a letter from SSA stating that theyhave been paid too much and must return the excess funds. SSA will negotiategradual repayment of the debt, or the recipient can le an appeal or a waiverform within 60 days of receipt of the overpayment notice.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

GLOSSARY


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Plan for Achieving Self-SupportPASSA Social Security work incentive that allows a person with a disability to setaside income and/or resources towards a work goal for a specied period oftime (e.g., a person could set aside money for education, vocational training,or business start-up expenses). A PASS can be used to help reduce theamount that SSA deducts from an SSI check because of a persons earnedincome. SSA must approve PASS plans.

esourcesThe term that Social Security uses for what most people call assets. Itincludes anything you own, for example, cash, a bank account, cars, stocks,business assets, or other property that you can use to support or maintainyourself. Social Security does not count all your resources when decidingSSI eligibility. The SSI resource limit is $2000 for an individual ($3000 formarried couple) in 2010. If the resource limit is exceeded, eligibility may bereestablished once the excess resources have been spent down below thelimit.

Social Security AdministrationSSASSA provides monthly cash benets to approximately ten million individualswith disabilities in the United States under the SSDI and SSI programs. SSAis also responsible for administering the Ticket to Work program.

Social Security Disability nsuranceSSDA program of federal disability insurance benets for workers who havecontributed to the Social Security trust fund and become disabled or

blind before retirement age. The SSDI program also covers spouses withdisabilities and dependent children of fully insured workers upon theretirement, disability, or death of a primary beneciary. SSDI pays monthlycash benets directly to eligible persons with disabilities throughoutthe period of eligibility. Individuals on SSDI typically are also eligible forMedicare, after a 24-month waiting period starting on the date that theindividual becomes entitled to an SSDI benet check.

Substantial Gainful ActivitySGAFor purposes of determining initial eligibility for SSDI and SSI, disabilityis dened as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity byreason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that isexpected to last for a specied period. For calendar year 2010, the SGA limitis $1000 per month in work earnings ($1640 for individuals who are blind).SGA is adjusted on an annual basis for ination.

Supplemental Security ncomeSSA Social Security program providing monthly cash income to persons withdisabilities or blindness who have low income and resources. The SSIprogram is funded out of the general revenues of the Treasury. In moststates, people who get SSI also automatically get Medicaid.

icet to Wor and Wor ncentives mprovementActWWA

Legislation that became effective in the year 2000, TWWIIA offers SocialSecurity disability beneciaries age 18 to 64 more choice in obtaining theservices they need to help them go to work.

rial Wor PeriodWPA period of nine months during which an SSDI beneciary can work and stillget their full SSDI check and Medicare, regardless of how much money theyearn. The nine months of the trial work period can be consecutive (one afterthe other) or can be spread out over a 60-month period (ve years).

Wor ncentives Planning and AssistanceWPAWIPA programs are funded by the Social Security Administration and arebased at a variety of community and public agencies across the country.WIPA staff members are trained to help individuals understand the impact ofincome from employment on the full range of public benets, including SSI,SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, public housing, TANF, and food stamps.


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SocialSecurityAdministration

ConsentforReleaseofInformation

Pleasereadthese

instructionscarefullybeforecom

pletingthisform.

WhenToUse

Completethisformon

lyifyouwanttheSocialSecurity

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Administrationtogive

informationorrecordsaboutyo

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anindividualorgroup

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behalfofaminor,whowantustoreleasetheminor's:

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nonmedicalrecords,shouldusethisform.

o

medicalrecords,shouldnotusethisform,butshould

contactus.

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formtorequestinformationabout

yourearningsoremploymenthistory.Todothis,complete

FormSSA-7050-F3.YoucangetthisformatanySocial

Securityoffice.

How

To

Thisconsentformmustbecompletedandsignedonlyb

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addressoftheindividualorgroupto

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uarerequestingtheinformation

.

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Checkthetype(s)of

informationyouwantustorelease.

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Signanddatetheform.Ifyouarenotthepersonwh

ose

recordwewillrelease,pleasestateyourrelationship

to

thatperson.

ThePaperworkReductionAct

of1995requiresustonotifyyouthatthisinformationcollectionisinaccordancewiththeclearancerequirements

ofsection3507ofthePaperworkReductionActof1995.

Wemaynotconductorsponsor,andyouarenotrequiredtorespondto,acollectionofinformationunlessitdisplaysavalidOMBcontrolnum

ber.

TIMEITTAKESTOCOMPLETETHISFORM--Weestimatethatitwilltakeyouabout3

minutestocompletethisform.Thisincludesthetimeitw

illtaketoreadtheinstructions,gatherthenecessary

factsandfillouttheform.

SSA-3288Internet(12/

99)

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted without

written permission, except you

may download and use the pdf on

our website for non-commercial,

educational purposes.

Acnowledgements

The authors would like to thank Melissa Cook, Barbara Donati, Danielle Dreilinger, Linda Freeman, Mary Ann Gallagher, Maureen Gallagher, Gail Havelick,

Rick Kugler, Susan Murray, Teri OShea, Mary Philbin, Joseph Reale, Amelia Robbins-Cureau, Jason Savageau, Judith Savageau, Cindy Thomas,

Elena Varney, and Karen Zimbrich for their editorial contributions to this guide.

Production of Going to Work: A Guide to Social Security Benets and Employment for Young People with Disabilitieswas supported by

Work Without Limits, a Massachusetts Disability Employment Initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CFDA No. 93.768) and

managed through a partnership by UMass Medical School Center for Health Policy and Research, Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston, and

Massachusetts Executive Ofce of Health and Human Services.

For more information or to request print copies:Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston

100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

(617) 287-4300

www.communityinclusion.org

For a PDF version of this boolet:

www.workwithoutlimits.org/products/GTW

www.communityinclusion.org/goingtowork

For more information about Wor Without Limits:

Work Without Limits Massachusetts Disability Employment Initiative

Center for Health Policy and Research

University of Massachusetts Medical School

333 South Street

Shrewsbury, MA 01545

(508) 856-2710

www.workwithoutlimits.org

A Guide to Social Security Benets and Employment for Young People with Disabilities

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www.worwithoutlimits.org

Documents

Going To Work