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: WIPA Service Provider Directory: WIPA National Training Center at VCU:

Contact Information: Susan O’Mara WIPA National Training Center Virginia Commonwealth University