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Potential Partners: Work Incentives Planning &
Assistance Projects
Telework Forum
June 25, 2008
#1: Many Telework program participants will receive some type of disability benefit.
Two of the largest Federal disability programs are administered by SSA
Title II Disability Benefits (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Individuals eligible for Social Security Disability benefit programs often have very limited incomes and few (if any) assets.
4.2 million adults receive SSI; the maximum benefit of $637/month is only 73% of the federal poverty level for a family of one.
6.5 million adults receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The average monthly SSDI payment is $1004 (2008) – only 115% of the federal poverty level for a family of one.
#2: Title II Disability benefits and SSI are separate and very different programs!
While the programs share a common disability requirement, they have a different purpose, eligibility requirements, and treatment of work, earnings, and resources.
Title II Disability Benefits
The Title II Disability Benefit Program (SSDI, CDB) began in 1956 as an early retirement program for older workers whose disabling condition prevented them from working until pension age. It is a wage-replacement insurance program.
Work Record = Monthly cash benefit & Medicare
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program is a means tested cash assistance program for elderly individuals and people with disabilities.
Limited income & resources =
monthly cash benefit and Medicaid
#3: Social Security Disability Beneficiaries can and do work!
Common misconception: Disability beneficiaries will lose their eligibility for benefits and access to healthcare if they work.
The Reality: There are a number of work incentives in place with both the SSI and Title II disability programs that encourage work.
Impact of Earnings on SSI
The SSI program provides for a gradual reduction in monthly cash benefits as earnings increase. It is not a “dollar for dollar” reduction!
For beneficiaries who are self-employed, SSI benefits are reduced by countable “net earnings from self-employment” or NESE.
Title II Disability Benefits and Work
Title II provisions, including the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility, allow for beneficiaries to keep their monthly cash benefits for a period of time when they begin work.
#4: Business ownership, assets, equipment…
will not result in loss of disability benefits!
- Property Essential to Self-Support (PESS)
- Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)
#5: Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
Special savings accounts for individuals and families with low incomes:
– Participants save earned income on a regular basis in a special account
– Savings earmarked for purchase of a specific asset– Matching funds provided to grow the savings, and
acquire an economic asset for the long term.
#6: WIPA Projects are Key Partners for Telework Programs!
104 local organizations funded by SSA to provide benefits and work incentives information and planning services to beneficiaries age 14 and older.
Ultimate goal is to support the successful employment of beneficiaries.
Staffed by Community Work Incentives Coordinators
How can WIPA Projects help?
Resource for answering questions your program may have related to benefits and work incentives
Assist Telework program beneficiaries to assess impact of employment / self-employment on benefits & healthcare
Provide information & long-term supports on strategic use of work incentives
Links to other community resources
WIPA Resources:
SSA Work Site: www.ssa.gov/work
WIPA Service Provider Directory:https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/oesp/providers.nsf/bystate
WIPA National Training Center at VCU: www.vcu-ntc.org
Contact Information:
Susan O’Mara
WIPA National Training Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
757.412.2342
