Social Security Social Security Administrates many

different benefits……..

Know what benefit you are on…

It makes a difference!

SSDI Title IISocial Security Disability Insurance

Earned through service credits No income or resource limits Same disability definition as SSI Eligible dependents and spouse

(may) receive benefits known as Survivors Benefits

1. Family shares benefit2. Ends when the student turns 18 or

finishes high school, unless the student was disabled before age 22

What is SSI ?

Supplemental Security Income

SSI - Title XVISupplemental Security Income

Needs BasedResource Limit $2000SSA defined DisabilityAny age to applyUS citizen/ meet requirements to workResource Deeming

Why are we talking about SSI? There are 2 basic DISABILITY benefits.

While working, SSI benefits change every month to adjust to your wages.

Easy to get “over payments”, easy to plan for them….(SSI Calculation Sheet)

Supplemental Security Income

Money that the Social Security Administration gives to a person:

1. who has a disability2. very little income and 3. has less than $2000 in

resources

SSI money must pay for your basic living expenses.

RentUtilitiesFood

How much SSI can I receive? $845 a month is the maximum Federal amount

(2010) if living at home $1086 if living in a board and care setting Some people get less if they are receiving

“help” for food, rent and utility bills…or If they have other income (like a job) Or if their living conditions are “different” Some states,like California, add the state

supplement to the federal benefit

How do I qualify for SSI

Be a U.S. citizen or meet special requirements

Have a disability that seriously limits your ability to do work and limits your activities

How do I get SSI? Make an appointment Gather data1. Social Security card2. Birth certificate3. Places you’ve worked4. Pay stubs or tax returns5. Records from doctors6. Names of schools and addresses7. Any test results

More things to bring…. Any bank accounts, and other

things like, savings bonds

Proof of any other benefits you receive (TANF,HUD or Food Stamps)

How will working affect my SSI?

You will ALWAYS make more money while working,when receiving SSI

If under 18 and receiving benefits…

You may be receiving parental deeming

Redetermination at the age of 18 You may qualify for a STUDENT

EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (hint: now is a great time to try

working,so you can use the SEIE)

If you are 18 and NOT receiving benefits…

You may apply for SSI under the adult criteria

Parental deeming does not affect you

(hint) Now may be the time to PAY parents your “fair share” of living expenses to qualify for a higher benefit. SSA form # 8006-F-4

Under 18 and receiving SSI while working…SEIE is available until 22

Student Earned Income Exclusion allows students regularly attending school to earn $1510 per month without affecting their benefits up to a limit of $6,100 annually.

A person is considered regularly attending school if they attend classes

1. College for at least 8 hours a week2. Grades 7-12 at least 12 hours a week

3. Training course to prepare for employment 12 hours a week,15 hours a week if the course involves shop practice.

How to apply for SEIEStudent Earned Income Exclusion

Letter from school stating attendance…dates and times

Appointment with your claims representative

Be sure to send in MONTHLY pay stubs! Make sure your name and Social Security

number are included with your pay stub.

What do you need to do when you start working?

Report wages MONTHLY to SSA Report any changes to SSA,1. Change of address,2. If you stop working, 3. Change in wages… Plan for the reduction of your SSI check (SSI Calculation Sheet)

Work Outcomes with SSI

SSI SSI/work

$856 $856 Benefit $856

$500 wages $500 wages

-85 Supports for working$500-85=$415.00

$415.00

$415 / 2=$ $207.50 $207.50

$856-207.50= $648.50New benefit amount

$648.50 NEW benefit amount

$856Wages+benefit=total $500+$648.50=

$1148.50

Working while receiving SSI

You always get more money by working when you receive SSI

You MUST report your wages to SSA monthly

Working while you are in school gives you a special program just for students (SEIE)

You can keep Medi-Cal (free) until you are earning a decent salary

Incentives make going to work easier

Impairment – Related Work Expenses1. Enables you to work2. Reasonable expense3. Not paid or reimbursed by any other

source4. Paid in the month that you are

working(hint: a job coach could qualify)

1619 b

Medi-Cal coverage can continue if your earnings alone or in combination with your other income becomes too high for an SSI cash payment.

You need to meet all the eligibility rules,still be disabled, and need Medic-Cal to work.

Considered to be “automatic” it is always safe to call and remind SSA of your 1619b status.

Annual earnings do not exceed approx. $40,000

Continuation of Medi-Cal Eligibility

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)

Allows the SSI beneficiary to set aside non-SSI income to achieve a specific work goal or an educational goal which leads to work in order to become more self-sufficient

The money set aside in the plan is not counted as monthly income or resources

PASS Cadres approve and oversee PASS Plans

Plan to Achieve Self-Support

A plan to achieve self support allows you to set aside income and/or resources for a specified time for a goal. It must be:

1. Designed especially for you in writing2. Have a specific work goal that you are capable of

performing3. Have a specific timeframe4. Show what money you will use to reach your goal5. Show how you will keep your money identifiable

from other funds6. Be approved by SSA (PASS Cadre)7. Be reviewed by SSA periodically to assure your

plan is helping you achieve progress8. You have to pay the money back IF you do not

finish the PASS as planned.

Important Reminders for Anyone on Benefits

Report wages/income and resources monthly

Report any changes in living situation or employment status

Keep good records and keep copies of everything you give to SSA

Be prepared for periodic reviews

How will working affect my SSI?

You will ALWAYS make more money while working,when receiving SSI