RULES DON'T HINDER THOSE RETURNING TO WORK FORCE

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are often afraid of trying to work. Until a few years ago, returning to w~ork could mean an abrupt loss of SSI eligibility. Now there are provisions in SSI rules that ease the transition of disabled people from SSI recipients to productive workers.

~~~Work rules are different for Social Security disability than they are for SSI disability. Work rules for blind people are different, too. The following is a discussion of rules for non-blind SSI recipients who return to work.

PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT (PASS) A PASS allows the SSI recipient higher limits on income and assets so they can save money toward an occupational goal.

Since SSI is an assistance program, income and asset levels can reduce or stop SSI payments. However, income and assets set aside for a PASS will not affect SSI. For example, training, education, or work related equipment can ease the transition into the work force. But they can cost money. The PASS allows SSI recipients to save money needed for equipment or services that will help them achieve independence.

CONTINUING CASH BENEFITS Unlike Social Security disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients continue to be eligible for checks even if they are doing substantial gainful work.

Also with SSI, continuing eligibility is not limited to a nine month trial work period or 36 month extension as it can be with Social Security.

Earnings, like most other income, reduce SSI payments. But a disabled worker with no other income c~an get some SSI if he makes less than $929 per month. If SSI checks stop because earnings exceed the limit, they can be reinstated if income falls below the limits. If reinstatement is within a year, a new application is not even needed.

CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAID Even if the SSI recipient's earnings are too high for any cash payments he might still keep his Medicaid coverage.

Although the State governments administer the Medicaid program some Federal regulations apply. The Federal government requires that Medicaid coverage continue for disabled people whose work has interrupted their SSI payments but need Medicaid in order to work. The coverage continues as long as the person continues to be disabled, cannot afford to purchase similar medical coverage and would be eligible for SSI payments except for earnings.

IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSES (IWRE) Before Social Security reduces SSI payments because of earned income an adjustment is made. Any work expenses that the SSI recipient pays that are related to the impairment are deducted from earnings. Examples of expenses that are sometimes deductible are attendant care services, special transportation costs, medical equipment, prostheses, prescriptions and medical care.

Reasonable amounts are deductible when IRWE are directly related to enabling the individual to work and they would not normally be incurred by non-disabled people.

Further information and copies of the publication, "Benefits for Disabled People Who Return to Work" may be obtained by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Every Social Security office has an expert on the work rules for SSI recipients.