The Benefits of Work While Receiving Public Benefits
One Stop Benefits Planning
(Text of PowerPoint Presentation)
Presentation by
Health and Disability Advocates
Substantial Gainful Activity
- For non-blind: $800/month
- For blind: $1,330/month
- (2003 figures)
Title II Social Security (SSDI)
- eligibility based on work history and earnings or
- record of deceased, disabled or retired parent
Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- no work history required
- eligibility based on income and resources
- monthly SSI grant in 2003 = $552
- resource limit is $2000
SSI Work Incentives - Medicaid
- 1619(a) - When gross earnings are over $800/month free Medicaid1619(b) - When gross earnings are over $1189 (or SSI check goes to $0) free Medicaid until annual earnings of $26,001 - (could be higher if person has high medical needs). Access to Health Care:
- "Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities" Program Allows working people with disabilities to "buy-in" to the state's Medicaid program creates an affordable option for individuals and employers
What is the "Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999"?
Three main components:
- Ticket to Work
- Elimination of Work Dis-Incentives
- Access to Health Care
What is the Ticket?
- Red, white & blue piece of paper
- Assign (or place) with provider
- One ticket per customer
- Voluntary Program
Employment Networks - ENs
- A qualified State, local or private organization which provides vocational rehabilitation, employment and other support services to beneficiaries.
- The State Vocational Rehabilitation agency (ORS) can be an Employment Network. ORS is an EN.
Elimination of Work
- Dis Incentives
- Expedited benefits reinstatement. Effective January 1, 2001
- NO MEDICAL Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) for Ticket users.
- No work-triggered CDRs for beneficiaries who have been on benefits for at least 24 months. Effective January 1, 2002
Improved SSA Services
- Increased training of SSA staff regarding work incentives
- Seeking feedback from Ticket users
- Advisory Panel- www.ssa.gov/work/panel
New SSA Services
- Individualized benefits planning through BPA&O projects
- Legal assistance through PABSS - Equip for Equality