SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Through its Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), the Social Security Administration shares the U.S. Department of Education's commitment to supporting transition-age students as they prepare for entry into the workforce, as is mandated by IDEA 97. Students who are eligible for SSI may also use the SSI programs work incentives, which provide for additional income while engaging in employment during and after secondary education. Some students may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Education personnel should know whether a secondary transition student with disabilities is A) currently receiving SSI benefits B) currently eligible for SSI benefits but not, C) eligible for SSI benefits at age 18.

SSI work incentives can be incorporated into a student's IEP transition plan and must be engaged in paid work experience as part of their transition plan.

SSI Eligibility-the gateway to resources for transition students with disabilities including Medicaid.

Prior to age 18:

•The family has limited income or resources*

•The student has a medical disability

After age 18:

•Severe disability (physical or mental)

•Initially not employed or with substantial Gainful Activity level less that $500 monthly

Work incentive programs:

• Earned Income Exclusion

• Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

• Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE)

• Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)

• Blind Work Expenses (BWE)

• Property Essential for Self-Support (PESS)

*Income and resources of parents of students under 18 are considered in determining SSI eligibility for benefits. A general estimate is for a family of 4 (2 parents and 2 children, one of which is disabled) a family income of $34,080 or less annually will qualify for benefits. Parental income and resources are not considered when the student is 18 or older.

To find more information go to SSA/SSI on the web.

Work Incentives through SSI

Work incentives allow students with disabilities to increase their income while maintaining needed SSI cash assistance benefits.

Earned Income Exclusion:

• Applies to all SSI program recipients
• Some income is excluded from the specified income limits of $500
• Ensures that students continue to receive their SSI benefits while enrolled in a school-sponsored employment program or other employment
• 3 Exclusions-based upon monthly income

  $20 from any income source

  $65 earned income

  1/2 of all income over the above $85

Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE):

• Applies to persons with disability under the age of 22 and attending school who qualify for SSI
• Allows student to exclude up to $400 of earned income per month before applying the above earned income credit
• Student must submit statement of school attendance, statement of employment, and periodic wage receipts
• Procedures differ from office to office, contact local SSI (1-800-772-1213)

Impairment-related Work Expense (IRWE):

• Allows the cost of impairment related items and services to be deducted from gross earnings
• May continue throughout employment career
• Qualifying criteria

  The expense enables a person to work

  The item or service is required due to severe physical or mental impairment

  The cost is paid by the person with disability and is not reimbursed through other sources

  The expense is reasonable, it represents the standard charge in the community

  The expense is paid in the month in which earned income is received or work is performed while using the item or service

Plan for Achieving Self-support:

• Allows qualifying individual to set aside income/resources for a specified period of time to achieve a work goal
• A student whose income exceeds SSI requirement may develop a PASS to maintain his/her SSI eligibility while pursuing work goals.
• For a student under 18,who does not qualify for SSI only because parental income exceeds limits, parents may set aside enough money through a PASS incentive to make the student eligible for SSI
• Must complete 8 page PASS application
• PASS funds may not be used while the person is in secondary school, but aids in transition to the work and postsecondary educational environment
• Requirements for a PASS include:
• A feasible and reasonable occupational goal
• A defined timetable
• The need for income or resources, other than SSI, to be set aside
• An explanation of expenditures to be covered by the set-aside funds

Blind Work Expenses (BWE):

• Blind individuals (visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with correction)may earn higher income and maintain SSI eligibility
• May deduct from their SSI eligible income certain expenses for items needed to maintain employment
• When writing transition plans for blind students, contact SSA office for more information 1-800-772-1213

Property Essential to self-support (PESS):

• Allows a person to exclude certain resources which are essential to employment for self-support
• For student entering the work force may use this program to avoid claiming the required tools for employment as resources