[Ohio-talk] [Employment-Committee] SSDI and SSI work incentives

[Cheryl Fields]

Thx Suzanne, this is valuable information!


On 10/12/17, Suzanne Turner via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> All,
>
>
>
> I want to share this information of a letter that was written to the Chair
> of the National Federation of the Blind Employment Committee; Dick Davis.
> Dick also responds to the individuals letter.  Please do not respond to this
> email.  But, certainly pass it on.
>
>
>
> Suzanne
>
>
>
> From: Employment-Committee [mailto:employment-committee-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Dick Davis via Employment-Committee
> Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 6:34 PM
> To: jobs at nfbnet.org; rehab at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Dick Davis <ddavis at blindinc.org>; Employment-Committee at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Employment-Committee] SSDI and SSI work incentives
>
>
>
> Dear Jobseekers,
>
>
>
> This is a letter I just received and answered.  I think it may help some of
> the rest of you.  I removed all identifying details on the letter writer.
> This is a topic on which many people have opinions, but the facts are
> contained in the SSA Redbook.  See links at the end of my letter.
>
>
>
> Dick Davis
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello Dick,
>
>
>
> This is ----- and I have a question for you that I would really appreciate
> your thoughts on.  I gave up my S.S.D.I. benefits for a position I held with
> ----- and I was part of a ----- lay-off that caused me to get back on my
> S.S.D.I. again.  The process was awful to go through.  I had to prove that I
> was blind all over again and I was without any money for way too long.  I am
> back on my S.S.D.I. now and things are good, but I want to work again and
> not go through the S.S.D.I. re-instatement thing ever again.  I have been
> told and read so many things about how much money I am able to make and not
> forfeit my S.S.D.I. benefits again and I don’t have a clear answer.  I
> believe the number is $1950.00.  But, I think that I am able to make more if
> I have work expenses that end up bringing me back down to the $1950.00
> amount.  Is this the way it works?  If I make $2500.00 a month and I have
> $700.00 in work expenses I am below the $1950.00amount.  I would really
> appreciate hearing your thoughts on this subject and situation I need to
> deal with when I accept my next position.  I can’t afford to make the
> foolish mistake I made when I gave up my S.S.D.I. for my ----- job.  I think
> I may be offered a job paying me around $30,000.00 a year, $2500.00 a month.
>  I would be really foolish to give up my S.S.D.I. for a job paying that
> amount.  I would really appreciate your thoughts on how I can make the best
> decision from the start with my new employer.  Thank you so much for your
> help on this situation I hope to be in again very soon!
>
>
>
> ------
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi -----,
>
>
>
> You’re right - $1,950 is the correct monthly Substantial Gainful Activity
> amount for blind people.
>
>
>
> From what you report, I suspect you were off SSDI for five years or more.
> That means you had to reapply and go through the six month waiting period
> all over again.  If what I am guessing is true, you now have a new 9 month
> trial work period.  During that time, you can work as much as you want.  By
> the end of that period of time, you do have to reduce your work hours.  If
> you take a full time job and go off SSDI, you can go right back on again if
> five years haven’t passed.  It is only when you are off for five years or
> more that you have to reapply.
>
>
>
> What you are thinking of is impairment related work expenses, or IRWE.
> Those apply to all people with disabilities.  Blind people also have blind
> work expenses or BWE.  BWE apply to SSI, and IRWE apply to SSDI.  But I have
> heard that they sometimes use BWE for SSDI recipients too – check with your
> local SSA office.  IRWE and BWE can be used to reduce your earnings as you
> describe.  You just need to keep track of your expenses and submit them to
> SSA on a monthly basis (copies, not originals).  They will give you a
> business reply mail envelopes so there is no postage cost.  Just ask for
> them.
>
>
>
> The most definitive and easily understandable description of SSA work
> incentives is the SSA Redbook.  Below are the links to the Redbook, IRWE,
> and BWE.  It is best to refer to the Redbook if you have questions, as SSA
> staff must abide by it.
>
>
>
> https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/
>
> https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/blindrules.htm#2=
> <https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/blindrules.htm#2=&a0=1> &a0=1
>
>
>
> By the way, blind people are eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI)
> benefits from your state.  They are usually more than SSDI.  Some people
> think they must apply for SSDI when they become unemployed.  That is a
> mistake, as applying for SSDI invalidates your claim for UI benefits.  UI
> rules say you must be available for employment, but when you apply for SSDI
> you must sign a statement that says you are unable to work.  My
> recommendation is to apply for UI benefits, use them until you run out, and
> then apply for SSDI.  Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.  This
> may not apply in your case, but it is good for everyone to know.
>
>
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Dick Davis
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


-- 
Wishing You All the Best,

Cheryl E. Fields


A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human
life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will
never sit.
--D. Elton Trueblood