Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income: Understanding the Impact of Work on Benefits.Removing the of WORK!
Why do people going to work while receiving SSDI/SSI benefits? 2
Loss of Cash Benefits Loss of Medicare and/or Medicaid Not Understanding Work Incentives Reapplying for Benefits Overpayments Work=Not Disabled Not understanding Impact of work on other programs/benefits 3
WHAT IF a Beneficiary Could keep cash benefits Could keep Medicare or Medicaid for long periods Wouldn t have to worry about reapplying for benefits if the job doesn t work out Had resources to help understand work incentives and has CHOICE in how work affects benefits? Could purchase needed services? October, 2008 4
October, 2008 6
7
Can you get both? 10/25/2011 SSD Based on someone's work an Insurance Program Medicare D I S A B I L I T Y APD SSI Low income Low assets Medicaid
Definition of Disability Adult: Inability to Engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity by Reason of any Medically Determinable Physical or Mental Impairment or Combination of Impairments which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death. *Age 18 or older Child: Inability to Engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity by Reason of any Medically Determinable Physical or Mental Impairment or Combination of Impairments which causes marked and severe functional limitations and that can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 10/25/2011 APD
SSDI: Maintaining Cash Benefits TWP/Extended Period of Eligibility SSI: Any Amount for 9 month ($720 TWP) EPE Under $1000 Gross (in general w/no exclusions-blind $1640)) Earned Income Exclusion: $65 $20 General Exclusion $1 for $2 adjustment 11
Fear: Jeopardizing Cash Benefits Safety Net: Trial Work Period Nine s ervice months E mployee: $720 gros s /mo (2011); S elf-employed: $720 net* Full S S DI benefits payable Medicare continues (if applicable) Only one TWP during period of dis ability October, 2008 12 *After 24 months of benefits (initial or EXR)
What Happens After TWP? E xtended period of E ligibility (E PE ) 36 months after T WP B enefits continue if under S GA $1000 non blind $1640 blind B enefit Ces s ation when earnings over SGA B enefits payable for firs t S G A months + 2 grace months S uspension vs. termination October, 2008 13
Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) Related to medically established impairment Necessary to Work Reasonable Expense Proof of out of pocket payment October, 2008 14
Examples of IRWE Medications Attendant care services Medical devices Work-related assistive devices Modifications to vehicle/residence Some transportation costs Job Coaching October, 2008 15
How Does IRWE Work? As s ume: Wages =$1500 month S S DI=$1200 month $1500 (Gross wages *Note- S G A ) - 550 (B eneficiary pays for IR WE -job coach) $ 950 (R emainder) = Countable for SSDI $1200 (S S DI ck)+1500 wages = TOTAL INCOME : $2700 Check is payable! October, 2008 16
SUBSIDY & SPECIAL CONDITIONS Subsidy = Support provided by Employer Special Conditions = Support by others More pay than Value of work performed Dollar value attached to extra help, supervision, etc. Job Coaching October, 2008 17
How Does Subsidy Work? As s ume: Wages =$1000 month S S DI=$1200 month $1000 (Gross wages *Note- S G A ) - 150 (B eneficiary pays for IR WE -job coach) - 500 (S ubs idy=50%) $ 350 = Countable for S S DI $1200 (S S DI ck)+1000 wages = TOTAL INCOME : $2200 Check is payable! October, 2008 18
SSI Calculation 1085 (Gross wages)* - $20 (General Exclusion) 1065 (Remainder) - $65 (EIE) 1000 (Remainder) 2 500 (Total countable earned income) $674(full SSI ck)-500 = $174 (new SSI amt) TOTAL INCOME: $1259 $174(SSI)+$1085(wages) Breakeven Point: $1433 19
What happens to Medicare if you receive SSDI and if you work? Beginning in October 2000 premium-free Medicare Part A, along with supplementary medical insurance (Medicare Part B), continues for at least 93 months (7 yrs, 9 months) after the end of the TWP. Medicare can be purchased if disability continues AFTER the end of the 93 month period. 20
But what happens to Medicaid??? If you lose all or part your S S I check because of your wages you can keep your Medicaid under 1619(a) or (b) If you lose your S S I check for ANY other reason you als o los e Medicaid Medicaid may be s topped becaus e excess resources. *As s uming recipient is eligible for/receives S S I (S S I/Medicaid) 21
Section 1619 (B) - Continued Medicaid Have been eligible for S S I Payment for at leas t 1 month S till dis abled Meet all other eligibility rules Need Medicaid in order to work and Have gross income insufficient to replace S S I, Medicaid and any publicly funded attendant care (individual threshold) OR $28,753 per year (2011) 22
: Reapplying/Benefit Termination Safety Net: Expedited Reinstatement SSDI or SSI Current work is under S GA S ame or related dis abling condition Prior termination due to work activity Within 60 months of last entitlement 6 months Provisional B enefits October, 2008 23
Will SSA Review my Medical Disability if I work? Work Reviews Medical reviews Medical CDR Protection That s the Ticket! 24
FEAR: Where Do I Begin? Safety Net: Ticket to Work Program Great-- You Got A Ticket! But-- What Can It Do For You? October, 2008 25
The New Ticket Can: Provides CHOICE Could help to find a job Adds E mployment Networks to the choices of who will assist without cost Protects from Continuing Medical Dis ability R eviews!
www.yourtickettowork.com 27
An SSI Exclusive! Report Wages By Telephone! You, your payee or deemor can call in wages every month Call toll-free from the 1st to the 6 day of each month to report gross wages paid in the previous month You get a receipt mailed automatically! CALL 1-866-772-0953 28
What/How to Report to SSA Report work to SSA Name, address and phone number of employer Report to both departments if you receive two checks Be able to estimate future earnings Know if and when checks will stop Request a Receipt 29
Resources Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 AWIC, WIL www.socialsecurity.gov/work WIPA Disability Rights Florida 1-800-342-0823 or 1-800-346-4127 (TDD) Disabilityrightsflorida. PASS Cadre 1-800-254-9489 Maximus 1-866-YOURTICKET or 1-866-833-2967 (TDD) www.yourtickettowork.com 30
31
$$ If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed. David Viscott Marlene Ulis ky North Florida Area Work Incentives Coordinator 1-866-296-4879 Ext 16801 33