Richard Rosenberg, Ph.D., WUHSD 12-4-13 Linda O Neal, M.A., IUSD
Failure to focus on Social Security benefits during transition is just not a missed opportunity, but may also cause harm when students and family members are not educated about or prepared for the effect of earnings on cash benefits and medical insurance* *National Council on Disability October 28, 2008
KNOW THE BENEFIT Social Security Administration SSI Supplemental Security Income SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI Survivor s Benefit
SSI SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Needs Based (limited income) Resource Limit $2000 (minimal savings) SSA defined Disability Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits US citizen or meet special requirements for non-citizens (e.g. seeking asylum)
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY DEFINITION. the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that can be expected to result in death, or that has lasted or that Social Security expects to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 2013 SGA amount $1040
SSI RECIPIENTS MAY OWN THE FOLLOWING: A home that you live in One car Household goods and personal property Burial plot and burial funds up to $1500.00
ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUTH Any age may apply Parent s income (Parental Deeming) affects SSI eligibility and benefits
APPLYING FOR SSI BENEFITS AT AGE 18 You need to apply as an adult under the adult criteria, even if you are already receiving benefits SSA.gov applying for benefits Parental deeming does not affect you
Survivors benefits end when the recipient turns 18 and graduates from high school unless: the recipient has a disability that began before age 22 & still qualifies for benefits the beneficiary may be able to keep the survivor s benefit
SECTION 301 If SSA finds that the beneficiary is no longer disabled due to medical improvement, benefit payments usually stop. If the beneficiary is enrolled in one of the following programs: DOR Ticket to Work Special Education A Social Security PASS Program Benefits may continue until participation in the plan ends. SSA decides that the completion of the plan isn t going to end with employment,
THE INTERVIEW WITH SSA Applicant must be at the interview SSA will only talk to the Representative Payee about the benefit Bring: birth certificate, medical papers, bank statements, important papers Consider ALL the options before going into your SSA interview
CALIFORNIA SSI BENEFIT AMOUNT Living in the household of another $633 Living independently $ 866 Can the applicant pay their Fair Share of the household expenses? Will you rent the applicant a room? Is that a fair amount that you would rent to anyone?
Fair Share Rent/Mortgage Food (only food) Gas electricity Property Insurance Real property Taxes Garbage removal water Add all expenses Divide by # of people living in the home = 15
WAITING TO HEAR FROM SSA The FIRST letter will come from SSDI The second letter should be from SSI. If the applicant is denied SSI take action
WHAT IS INCOME? EARNED INCOME- wages & self employment UNEARNED INCOME money received from other sources such as SSA, VA, pensions, unemployment, cash gifts
HOW WILL INCOME FROM WAGES AFFECT MY BENEFIT? SSI SSI Wages $866.40 $866.40 $500 $866.4 0 Total benefit 866.40-207.50=658.90 New Benefit amount -85 = $415 $658.90 + $500 = $415 / 2=207.50 Wages received Total benefit and wages earned = $1158.90 Bonus * You are contributing to SSDI
BREAK EVEN POINT People receiving SSI, who are working will notice a reduction in their benefit in approximately 2 months. If wages are high enough, there will come a time when the SSI benefit will end and this is known as the BREAK EVEN POINT. This is when you will no longer get a CASH benefit from SSI, but your MediCal will continue (as long as you are still disabled and continue to qualify under SSI rules) until your wages reaches the California threshold amount. ($35,740 non-blind and $37,060 blind 2013 amount) How to calculate break even point: Your monthly benefit amount before you started working. $ 866 X 2 $ 1732 + 85 $1817 Break even amount ( amount that you earn that ends your cash benefit)
SSI employment supports offer ways for you to continue receiving SSI checks and/or MediCal coverage while you work. Some provisions can increase your net income to cover special expenses SSI Work Incentives Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) 20
Student Earned Income Exclusion SEIE Student Earned Income Exclusion allows students up to age 22 who are regularly attending school to earn $1730 per month without affecting their benefit,up to a limit of $6,960 annually. A person is considered regularly attending school if they attend classes: College for at least 8 hours a week Grades 7-12 at least 12 hours a week Training course to prepare for employment 12 hours a week,15 hours a week if the course involves shop practice.
SEIE - Student Earned Income Exclusion To apply for the SEIE: Send letter on school letterhead to SSA: Name of student, Social Security number, The amount of time that you are in school. Including dates that you started school and if you are attending summer school. Must be done every year ( up to age 22)
Responsible School Personnel Example of SEIE letter to SSA School X Transition Program Street Number & Name City, State, Zip Date To whom it may concern: This is to verify that John Smith ( SSA# 122-22-2222) is enrolled in School X Transition Program. John attends the program 5 days a week from 8:45-2:30. He is enrolled for the 2013-2014 year and will attend from September 2013-August 2014. I am sending this letter to request that he be given the Student Earned Income Exclusion. (Page 34 in the 2013 SSA REDBOOK) If you have any additional questions, please call me at (xxx xxx-xxxx) phone number. Thank you
SEIE Letter Take the letter to SSA office. 1. Be sure that SSA date stamps the letter 2. and ask for a stamped copy 3. keep the copy for your files. Notify SSA when you stop working or you are NO longer eligible for the SEIE exclusion to avoid an over payment.
IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSE IRWE Needs to be negotiated with SSA Example of IRWE s Job coach Medication Transportation Medical devices
PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT (PASS) A plan to achieve self support that allows you to set aside income and/or resources for a specified time for a work goal. It must be Designed especially for you in writing (SSA-545-BK) Have a specific work goal that you are capable of performing Have a specific timeframe Show specific money you will use to reach your goal Show how you will keep your money identifiable from other funds Be approved by SSA Be reviewed by SSA periodically to assure your plan is helping you achieve progress You have to pay the money back to SSA if you do not finish the PASS as planned.
PASS PLANS SET ASIDE $$ TO PAY EXPENSES TO REACH YOUR WORK GOAL Tuition, books, fees & supplies for school or training Job Coaching Attendant Care Child Care For information about a PASS: www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/passcsdre.htm 1 800 772-1213:
REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES You must report your wages MONTHLY by the 10 th of the next month. Be sure to include: 1. name and 2. complete Social Security number 3. Work incentive used (SEIE, IRWE,..) 4. Wages can be reported by phone if you are not using any waivers except an SEIE 5. Must report to both SSI AND SSDI
SOCIAL SECURITY WAGE REPORTING FORM (FORM THAT YOU SEND TO SSA WITH YOUR PAY STUBS) Name SS# Date of Check Today s Date Benefit type: SSI SSDI Survivors Attention: ( name of your claim s representative) Work Incentive: SEIE PASS IRWE Please send me a receipt for this pay stub. Thank you
Medi-Cal 1619B Supplemental Security Income If your income from work ends your SSI CASH benefit-you are still qualified to receive MediCal as long as: you still need the benefit and still meet all the eligibility rules MediCal coverage can continue if your earnings alone or in combination with your other income becomes too high for an SSI cash payment until you reach the state threshold amount of $35,740. $37,060 for beneficiaries who are blind. (2013 amount) Federal Medicaid program for low income families and persons with disabilities who lack sufficient health coverage.
HIRE ME
Tarek, a young man, with autism, who was fully included at high school, and is now attending community college. Whittier -- Tarek High School Support System: Drama Department Athletic Department Special Ed Support WorkAbility Regional Center Family Community 32
Post High School Support System: Regional Center CAPC Community Advocate for Peoples Choice State Department of Vocational Rehab BRIDGES Project SSI ROP Community College Disabled Student Services Community Family Tarek 33
WILLIE SUPPORT SERVICES: Regional Center Bridges / SSI Dept. of Rehabilitation/TPP OCTA, Access & TRIPS Neighborhood Housing Services of OC Special Olympics Irvine Valley College City of Irvine/Disability Services Parents 34
WILLIE Successes: Certificate of Completion Full time Employer paid job at Albertsons (DR 26) Safely utilizes three transportation systems Takes and completes recreation classes at IVC Participates in social activities at least 2-3x per week Saved $24,000 for a home with an Individual Development Account (IDA) Moved into his own home 6/2007. 35
The New Homeowner
SSDI SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE To qualify: Must have paid into the trust fund (FICA) taxes A young person with a disability needs to have worked a minimum of 6 quarters to qualify A person without a disability needs 10 quarters at the current minimum 2014 $1,200. (In 1978 the minimum was $250.)
RECEIVING SSDI AND WORK Trial Work Period TWP time to test your ability to work Lasts for 9 months Must take place in a 5 year period ( 60 months) A trial work month amount changes every year (2013 amount is $750)
WORK INCENTIVES FOR SSDI CAN NOT be used during TWP Subsidy or special condition: refers to support on the job that may result in you getting paid more than the actual value of the services you perform. IRWE s can be used after the TWP ends
EXTENDED PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY Starts the month after TWP ends After TWP period ends there is a 36 month EPE. Benefit is paid if earnings fall below SGA You can be paid for the first month you earn SGA and for the following 2 months Your benefit will terminate if your work is substantial in any month after the EPE ends
EXPEDITED REINSTATEMENT If you make less money or you stop working DUE TO YOUR SAME DISABILITY SSA may be able to restart your benefits as long as your request is within 5 years of your benefit ending.
MEDICAID MEDI-CAL MEDICARE Medicaid Administered State by State Supplemental healthcare coverage administered by each state with federal and state funds Medi-Cal California s Medicaid Program Automatic eligibility with SSI Medicare Federal Medical Insurance Federal healthcare insurance program funded by the Social Security fund Eligibility with SSDI after 24 month waiting period
MEDICARE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE 24 month waiting period Age 18 earliest to be able to qualify for MediCare Medicare coverage can continue for 93 months after the TWP ends. As long as the disability still meets SSA s rules.
250% WORKING DISABLED PROGRAM If you are working, disabled, and your income is too high to qualify for free Medi-Cal, the California Working Disabled (CWD) Program may allow you to get Medi-Cal by paying a small monthly premium. This program allows you to earn up to 2.5 times the Federal Poverty Level and still qualify for Medi- Cal. You pay a small monthly premium that depends on your countable income, and you receive full-scope Medi-Cal. You can be eligible for this program whether or not you're currently on any type of public benefit program as long as you are working.
Top 10 Things You and Your Family Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act People across the country are now able to start taking advantage of the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), making health care accessible to millions of uninsured people. 1. No co-pays for many routine items and preventative care, like physicals, immunizations, and cancer screenings. 2. Young adults can stay on their parents insurance until they re 26, even if they re married, working, and living on their own. 3. You can no longer be excluded for having a pre-existing condition, or be charged more than a healthy person of the same age 4. Starting January 1, 2014, most Americans must have health insurance via private insurance, their employer, Medi-Cal (California), or Medicare. You re exempt if the cheapest qualifying health plan costs more than 8% of your income after tax credits and subsidies. 5. Each state will have a health insurance exchange (California s is called Covered California). These exchanges will act as marketplaces where different insurance providers will offer high-quality, affordable plans for consumers to choose from.
6. The first enrollment period will last from October 1st to the end of March, 2014. The enrollment period in future years will be shorter. 7. If you have insurance through your employer, you re already covered and shouldn t expect anything to change. You do still have the right to see if you can find a better plan on your own. 8. If you have an individual plan, you re considered covered, but your insurance company may change your plan in the coming year. 9. The penalty for not having insurance starts at $95 or 1% of your income, whichever is greater. This penalty will increase in future years. 10. The Affordable Care Act does not apply to people who are not legal residents.
ACA RESOURCES www.healthcare.gov official site for exchange http://marketplace.cms.gov/ Community organizations help site www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform - ACA information www.cms.gov/cciio/ - Center for consumer information and consumer assistance Marketplace call center: 1-800-318-2596 TTY/TDD 1-855-889-4325
TICKET-TO-WORK PROGRAM 49
TICKET TO WORK A voluntary program designed by Social Security to assist beneficiaries to return to work Benefits: Assistance with pre- employment skills; resumes, interviews, dress for success, and job developing Benefit consultation before starting work so beneficiaries are prepared for financial changes before entering the work force
WUHSD CAREER CONNECTION IUSD CAREER LINK TICKET TO WORK EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES Julie Johnson, CWIC Alexa Duong, CWIC 562-698-8121 ext 1253 949-936-8632 Whittier Union High School District Irvine Unified School District Career Connection Career Link 9401 S. Painter Ave 311 West Yale Loop Whittier, CA 90605 Irvine, CA 92604
CHANGES TO SSI As of March 1, 2013 = will no longer send a paper check. You must choose: Direct Deposit You can arrange to have your benefit changed to electronic payments on line at: www.godirect.org or call 800-333-1795 Direct Express Debit MasterCard Copy of recent disability check Your bank routing number your bank account number
How to Avoid Overpayments Report wages/income and resources monthly by the 10 th of the month Report any changes in living situation or employment status Keep good records and keep copies of everything you give to SSA Report when you start and stop working! Be prepared for periodic reviews 53
MY SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE (OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE US SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) 18 years old Valid email address Social Security number U.S. mailing address Access & provide your own personal information Choose a username and password to create your account
Thank you Richard L. Rosenberg, PhD. Richard.rosenberg@wuhsd.org 562-698-8121 x1250 Linda O Neal, M.A. lindaoneal@iusd.org 949-936-5040 Joyce Montgomery, M.A. & Brenda Inzalaco, CWIC Jmontgomery@vallejo.k12.ca.us 707 556-1700 x50722/21