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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Work Incentives

2010 Red Book

Information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) employment support provisions commonly called work incentives. The Red Book is a general reference tool mainly for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals and counselors who serve individuals with disabilities. The Red Book is also available in Spanish.

Application for a Plan for Achieving Self-Support
Instructions and application to complete a Plan for Achieving Self-Support.
Employment Support for People with Disabilities
Information on the Social Security Administration's Office of Employment Support Programs (OSEP), which works to promote the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities.
Find a Work Incentive Seminar Near You

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families. These Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income. For more resources in your state go to Disability.gov's homepage and select your state from the drop-down menu under "Information by State."

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
IRWEs are out-of-pocket expenses related to an impairment and necessary to work. These expenses are paid for by the individual may be deducted from earnings when Social Security calculates the SSI payment.
Keeping Medicaid Coverage While Working - Section 1619(b)
After you return to work, your Medicaid coverage can continue, even if your earnings become too high for an SSI cash payment. However, there are several conditions that have to be met to keep Medicaid coverage after going back to work.
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

General Information about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support which can help people with disabilities who receive SSI return to work. Information about PASS is also available in Spanish.

Property Essential to Self-Support
Social Security does not count some resources that are essential to your means of self-support when deciding your initial and continuing eligibility for SSI.
Reinstating SSI Eligibility without a New Application
If you have been ineligible for an SSI payment due to your work, you may be able to restart your SSI cash payment again at any time without a new application.
Reporting Wages for People who Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Reporting wages each month helps Social Security pay the correct amount of SSI and may prevent the SSI recipient from having an overpayment.
SSDI & SSI Employment Supports
Information on Social Security rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.
SSI & Work
Answers to frequently asked questions about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Work.
Social Security's "Choose Work" Web Site

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched the Choose Work web site for people receiving Social Security disability benefits. View short, informative videos; hear powerful stories told by people whose circumstances have led them to explore the Ticket and other Work Incentives; experience a Work Incentive Seminar Event and find local resources and other helpful information for Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to return to work.

Social Security's Special Rules for Individuals Who Are Blind

Information on employment supports which are special rules that can help individuals who are blind or visually-impaired return to work while receiving disability benefits. Includes information about Blind Work Expenses (BWE) such as service animal expenses and transportation to and from work for people who receive SSI and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).

Special SSI Payments for Individuals Who Work--Section 1619(a)

This rule allows individuals who receive SSI to continue to receive monthly cash payments even when their earned income is over Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Employment Supports

Information about SSI employment supports including the Earned Income Exclusion and the Student Earned Income Exclusion that allow people receiving disability benefits to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.

Understanding PASS
Information about the Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS), a tool that a person with a disability or blindness can use to set aside income or resources to reach a work goal. For example, a person could set aside money for an educational or training program or to start a business.
What Happens to Medicaid if an SSI Recipient Works?
Medicaid coverage can continue even if a recipient's earnings along with other income become too high for a SSI cash payment. Information is provided to understand the Medicaid program.
What Will Happen to My Medicaid When I Go to Work?

Fact sheet provides information on Continued Medicaid Eligibility - Section 1619 (b). This incentive continues Medicaid coverage for most working SSI beneficiaries even after earnings become too high to allow a cash benefit. Document is in Word format, but is also available in text.

Working While Disabled--A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self Support
Details on the PASS program, an SSI program that can help individuals achieve a work goal.

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