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You are not here merely to make a living.
You are here to enable the world to live more
amply, with greater vision, and
with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.
You are here to enrich the world.
You impoverish yourself if you forget this
errand.
President Woodrow Wilson
• If I go to work I will lose my benefits.
• I can only make $1,040 a month or I will lose my
benefits.
• I can’t get the skills and experience I need for a
career without losing my benefits.
• If I go to work and then stop working, I won’t be
able to get back my cash benefits or
Medicaid/Medicare back.
• If I go to work Social Security will send me a
letter asking for a lot of money back.
• Reduce fear and misunderstanding about the effect
of working on benefits.
• Prevent crises that can result when change occurs.
• Improve employment and economic outcomes
through:
Increased employment rates;
Increased earnings; and
Decreased medical expenses.
 SSA: Social Security Administration
 SSI: Supplemental Security Income
 SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
 SGA: Substantial Gainful Activity. $1,040 non-blind, $1,740 blind
(2013).
 WORK INCENTIVES: Both federal and state-specific programs
that are available to people with disabilities in return to work efforts.
 HUD: Department of Housing and Urban Development
LET’S START
WITH
SUPPLEMENTAL
SECURITY
INCOME!
How Does Supplemental Security Income Really Work?

Supplemental Security Income = Title XVI (16) or SSI

Needs based program that provides a cash benefit and/or
Medicaid.

To qualify:

Meet all five steps of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)
sequential evaluation;
and

Have resources of $2,000 or less for an individual or $3,000
or less for a couple. Standard exclusions apply such as home you
own and one car.
 SSA SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION
 The Five Steps:
1.
Is the consumer working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) or above?
If the answer is no, go to step two.
2.
Does the consumer have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that
meets the duration requirement* or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets
the duration requirement? If the answer is yes, go to step three.
3.
Does the consumer have a disability that meets one of the listings in the SSA Blue
Book(www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/)?
If the answer is yes, the consumer gets benefits. If the answer is no, go to step four.
4.
Is the consumer able to do the work that was at substantial gainful activity level done in the 15
year period prior to the disabling condition, and that lasted long enough for the person to
learn to do that job? (This step may be skipped if evidence about past relevant work is not
sufficient to make a finding.) If the answer is yes or no, go to step five.
5.
Taking into account the consumer’s medical conditions, age, education, past work experience
and any transferable skills, can the consumer do any other type of work?
If the answer is no, the consumer qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits (either SSI or
SSDI).
* DURATION REQUIREMENT = Unless condition is expected to result in death, it must have lasted or must be expected to last
for a continuous period of at least 12 months
 BASIC WORK RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
 Ability to exert physically for various work-related activities (such as sitting,
standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling).
 Do manipulative and postural activities (such as reaching, handling large objects,
using fingers, feeling, stooping, balancing, climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling,
crouching, crawling).
 Tolerate certain environmental conditions (such as temperature extremes,
wetness, humidity, noise, hazardous working conditions like moving machinery or
heights, dust, fumes, odors, gases, poor ventilation, vibrations).
 See, hear, and speak.
 Maintain concentration and attention at work.
 Understand, remember and carry out instructions.
 Respond appropriately to supervisors, co-workers, and usual work situations.
 Cope with changes in the work setting.
I WILL LOSE MY SSI IF I GO TO WORK
FACT: WORK INCENTIVES LET CONSUMERS KEEP SSI
CASH CHECK OR STATUS WHEN THEY WORK!
 Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)
 Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
 Blind Work Expense (BWE)
 Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
 1619(b) Medicaid
IMMEDIATE SSI WORK INCENTIVES
 Cash benefit of up to $710 a month (individual) or $1,066 (couple) a
month in 2013.
 Medicaid health insurance.
There is no waiting period for Medicaid. Once a consumer is determined
eligible for SSI he/she receives Medicaid.
Generally, Medicaid is now provided through Star + Plus managed care
unless the consumer is in a Medicaid Rural Service Area.
Consumers who receive Home and Community Based Waiver (Tx Hml,
CLASS, HCS, DBMD, etc.) get their acute care (Medicaid) services from
STAR managed care.
PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT (PASS)

Designed to help consumer reach an employment goal.

Time limited (48 months; can be extended).

Not a comparable benefit.

Must have earned or unearned (e.g. SSDI) income to create plan.

Must be able to live on amount left after putting money into PASS.

All purchases in plan must be related to employment goal.

Money in PASS must be spent on what is in plan or consumer will
get overpayment notice.

SSA will review PASS once a year at a minimum.

Good DRS candidates: students and people who want to start
business.
PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT (PASS)
continued

SSA Area Work Incentive Coordinator (AWIC) approves and
reviews all PASS.

PASS form is located at:
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-545.html or on your cd.

Anyone may help consumer complete PASS form, but plan
must be submitted by consumer.

Consumer is responsible for all expenditures and progress in
PASS.
IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE)

A plan that has expenses for items or services which are directly
related to enabling a consumer to work.

Services or items have to be things that cannot be paid through
another source, and the cost must be reasonable. Any service or
item an agency such as DSHS or DARS, or someone else pays for
will not be approved as an expense in the IRWE.

Up to ½ the money put aside for expenses in an IRWE comes
back to the consumer’s SSI check.

Helpful in reducing income to under SGA when applying for SSI.
IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE)

No SSA form. See cd for sample IRWE application.

Send application to the local SSA Work Incentive Liaison or SSA Area
Work Incentive Coordinator.

May be asked for proof of need (e.g. medical records, doctor’s
prescription).

Must provide proof on monthly basis that items or services were paid
by filling out SSA Form 795 (http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-795.pdf
or on your cd) and copies of cancelled check(s), or paid receipt(s).
Must include statement on SSA-795 that no reimbursement was or will
be received for the IRWE, and that no agency or other source is
underwriting the expense for the consumer.
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)

Under age of 22.

Regularly attending school.

$1,730 a month or $6,960 maximum a year is forgiven from SSI
check.

Must be requested. No student receiving SSI is automatically
considered for this work incentive-not even someone in public high
school!

No SSA form. See cd for template.
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)
continued
 Regularly Attending School means:
1. Grades 7-12: at least 12 hours a week or
2. College or university: at least 8 hours a week or
3. In a training course to prepare for employment for at least 12 hours a
week (15 hours a week if the course involves shop practice); or
4. For less time than indicated above for reasons beyond the student’s
control, such as illness.
 GED counts if hours meet above guidelines!

Will have to provide proof of attendance. For high school:
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/tx/Verification_of_Enrollment.pdf or on
your cd. (This is the form required by DPS for students in driver’s
education or those trying to obtain a driving permit before the age of 18. )
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)
continued

If consumer is home taught, he/she may be considered “regularly attending
school” if:
 Consumer is instructed in grades 7-12 for at least 12 hours a week, and
 The instruction is in accordance with Texas home school regulations.

If consumer is home taught because of a disability, he/she may be considered
“regularly attending school” by:
 Studying a course or courses given by a school (grades 7-12), college,
university or government agency,
 Having a home visitor or tutor who directs the study, and
 The instruction is in accordance with Texas home school regulations.
IF I GO BACK TO WORK, I WILL LOSE MY MEDICAL
FACT: CONSUMERS CAN KEEP MEDICAL WHEN
THEY WORK!
SSI/Medicaid through1619(b)
Individualized Threshold
Texas Medicaid Buy-In after you “earn off”
1619 (b) MEDICAID
 When a consumer’s SSI cash check goes to $0 he/she will still receive
Medicaid through 1619(b).
 Receipt of Medicaid will continue until the consumer reaches the (2013)
Texas “threshold” of $32,387.00.
 Although transfer to 1619(b) is an automatic electronic ‘behind the
scenes’ transfer, it is advisable that the consumer check with both the
local SSA and HHSC or Your Texas Works benefits offices to ensure
Medicaid coverage continues. There is no SSA form for 1619(b).
 1619(b) is required in Texas by federal and state regulations.
 After
the consumer earns over the Texas state threshold of $32,387.00 gross
(2013), he/she can request an Individualized Threshold from SSA.
 The
individualized threshold begins with the base amount from the state threshold
and adds:
 The higher of the consumer's actual Medicaid expenditures or the average per capita
Medicaid expenditure shown (per capita Medicaid expenditures in 2012 for Texas were
$14,327);
 The higher of the State supplement rate for the consumer's actual living arrangement or
a “living alone” rate;
 Any IRWE or BWE the consumer has;
 Amounts of income excluded under an approved PASS; and
 The value of publicly-funded personal/attendant care which the consumer receives.
MEDICAID BUY-IN
 A great resource for consumers who received SSI, but have
exceeded the state threshold (“earned off”1619(b)) and do not
qualify for an individualized threshold.

Consumers who recently “earned off” SSI are presumptively
eligible for Medicaid Buy-In!

For Buy-In application go to:
http://www.dads.texas.gov/forms/H1200-MBI/ or on your cd.
IF WAGES CAUSE SSI CASH BENEFIT TO STOP, THERE’S NO
WAY TO GET THAT CASH BENEFIT BACK
FACT: CONSUMERS CAN STAY IN ELIGIBILITY
STATUS EVEN WHEN THEY DON’T GET A
CASH CHECK!
 1619(b)
 Expedited Reinstatement
• 1619(b) is a “stop payment status”, NOT a suspension status.
• 1619(b) protects reinstatement rights under all SSI provisions
including cash benefits.
• Consumers eligible under section 1619(b) are reinstated to
cash benefit status if countable income drops below the
applicable breakeven point and all other eligibility criteria are
met.
• Reinstatement is possible at all times in all States, unless the
consumer's eligibility is terminated.
EXPEDITED REINSTATEMENT
 A consumer ineligible for SSI payments due to work may be able to
restart SSI cash payments again.
 If the consumer has been ineligible for SSI and/or Medicaid for any
reason other than work or medical recovery SSI cash payment and/or
Medicaid coverage could resume within 12 months without a new
application.
 If cash payment and Medicaid benefits ended because of work and
earnings, and the consumer stops work within 5 years of when benefits
ceased, SSA may be able to start benefits again under Expedited
Reinstatement.
 There is no form for Expedited Reinstatement. Contact SSA office and
request Expedited Reinstatement of SSI benefits. Consumer may receive
six months of provisional cash benefits and/or Medicaid while SSA makes
their determination.
Working always results in overpayments
FACT: THERE ARE STRATEGIES TO PREVENT
OVERPAYMENTS!
 Report regularly.
 Consumer should get a receipt from SSA to document
that he/she reported.
 Know the overpayment rules! If the overpayment is
$1,000 or under it can be automatically waived. No
matter what the amount is, the consumer should
request reconsideration, a waiver, or negotiate a low,
low re-payment plan.

REPORTING EARNED INCOME

Find out how your SSA office wants earned income reported if you can.
But, report every single time pay is received-no matter how little that pay
is, and regardless of how often the SSA office has told the consumer to
report!

Consumers receiving SSI can use telephone reporting by calling 1-866-7720953, using Form SSA-821-BK (http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-821.pdf or
on cd) or by taking or mailing in check stubs to the local SSA office.
 Best ways to report? 1) Take pay stub in person. 2) Mail certified return
receipt requested. 3) Mail in. If mailing be sure to include letter requesting
receipt each time!
REPORT!
REPORT! REPORT! REPORT! REPORT!
•
OVERPAYMENT NOTICES

Overpayment notices are almost a sure thing. Beneficiary does not have to
pay entire amount by check, money order or credit card within thirty days.
Do not ignore the letter!

Overpayments under $1,000 can be waived.

Over $1,000 file request for reconsideration using SSA Form SSA-561-U2
(http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-561.pdf or on your cd) or
Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery Or Change In Repayment
Rate using SSA Form 632 (http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-632.pdf or on
your cd) or write letter.

In most cases repayment will never be more than 10% of monthly SSI
check.
I lose my SSI cash benefit if I make over $1,040 a month
FACT: CONSUMERS CAN MAKE MORE THAN
$1,040 AND STILL GET AN SSI CASH
CHECK!
 SSI cash check does not go to $0 until consumer
makes $1,505 in 2013 (with no other deductions from
work incentive programs).
…AND NOW FOR THE MAGIC
PORTION OF OUR PRESENTATION….
STEP ONE: COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
UNEARNED INCOME (SSDI)
$0
General Income Exclusion (GIE)
- $0
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
= $0
STEP TWO: COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
GROSS EARNED INCOME
$1,040.00
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
-
0
= $1,040.00
GIE (if not used above)
-
20.00
Earned Income Exclusion (EIE)
-
65.00
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
-
0
= $ 955.00
Divide by 2
= $ 477.50
Blind Work Expense (BWE)
-
0
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
= $ 477.50
STEP THREE: TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED
$0
INCOME
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
+ $477.50
PASS Deduction
-
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
= $477.50
$0
STEP FOUR: ADJUSTED SSI AMOUNT
BASE SSI RATE FOR THIS
$710.00
INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
- $477.50
ADJUSTED SSI AMOUNT
= $232.50
UNEARNED INCOME
General Income Exclusion (GIE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
GROSS EARNED INCOME
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
GIE (if not used above)
Earned Income Exclusion (EIE)
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
Divide by 2
Blind Work Expense (BWE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
=
0
0
$0
=
=
=
=
$1,040.00
0
$1,040.00
20.00
65.00
0
$ 955.00
$ 477.50
0
$ 477.50
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
PASS Deduction
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
$0
+
=
BASE SSI RATE FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE
$477.50
0
$477.50
$710.00
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
-
ADJUSTED SSI AMOUNT
=
$477.50
$232.50

Someone making Substantial Gainful Activity in gross earnings in 2013
($1,040) would get an SSI check of $232.50, for a total of earned and
unearned income of $1,272.50

Take 25% away from earned income of $1,040.00 for FICA, etc. for an
estimated take home (net) of $780.00

Add the net earned income of $780.00 to the SSI check of $232.50 for a
total monthly income of $1,012.50.

That’s $302.50 MORE than just the SSI check of $710!

And don’t forget that the consumer may qualify for the Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC) at tax time…. and get all, or a lot of the money taken out for
taxes back in their pocket!

The only thing the person will lose entirely is SNAP. Almost everything else,
including housing either reduces gradually or does not end.

If I go to work I am making $1,040 and only bringing home
$1,012.50. I am really losing my SSI Cash benefit and that’s not
fair… I am entitled to that!

And your answer is:
Your Consumer
•
•
•
•
•
•
Someone who works with your Consumer
Nets approximately $780 after taxes;
Gets free health comprehensive insurance, no dental
(Medicaid);
Gets SSI cash benefit of $232.50;
Has work incentives available to access necessary items
and services for work and get more money back in SSI
cash benefit;
Has the ability to work enough and also get SSDI and
Medicare; and
Gets all taxes done for free and paid back through EITC.
•
•
•
•
Nets approximately $780 after taxes;
Has no health insurance, no dental unless
he/she purchases it at high cost;
Has to purchase everything necessary for
doing the job and gets nothing in return;
Gets all taxes done for free and paid back
through EITC.
THAT (UN) MAGIC NUMBER

When a consumer says to you “I can’t make over $1,040 a month because I
don’t want to lose my SSI cash benefit", you can tell them that $1,040 is
NOT the number they are looking for.

The “un-magic number” they are looking for in 2013 is $1,505.00 a month.
Why is $1,505 “un-magic”?
THIS LOOKS LIKE $1,505 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER TO ME!
UNEARNED INCOME
General Income Exclusion (GIE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
GROSS EARNED INCOME
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
GIE (if not used above)
Earned Income Exclusion (EIE)
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
Divide by 2
Blind Work Expense (BWE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
=
0
0
0
=
=
=
=
$1,505.00
0
$1,505.00
20.00
65.00
0
$1,420.00
$ 710.00
0
$ 710.00
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
PASS Deduction
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
0
+
=
BASE SSI RATE FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE
$710.00
$0
$710.00
$710.00
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
-
ADJUSTED SSI AMOUNT
=
$710.00
$0

If work incentive programs are used
earnings can be much higher.

Even if work incentive program aren’t
used, the consumer can earn up to
$32,387 gross (2013) and still retain
Medicaid health insurance through
1619(b) – and maybe more if he/she
qualifies for an individualized threshold!
Now let’s see what happens when a consumer uses just
one work incentive!
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)
UNEARNED INCOME
General Income Exclusion (GIE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
GROSS EARNED INCOME
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
GIE (if not used above)
Earned Income Exclusion (EIE)
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
Divide by 2
Blind Work Expense (BWE)
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
=
$0
$0
$0
=
=
=
=
$1,505.00
1,505.00
0
20.00
65.00
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME
TOTAL COUNTABLE EARNED INCOME
PASS Deduction
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
0
+
0
-
0
=
0
BASE SSI RATE FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE
$710.00
TOTAL COUNTABLE INCOME
-
ADJUSTED SSI AMOUNT
=
0
$710.00
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)

In this example, a student under the age of 22 regularly attending school
earns gross $1,505.00 each month.

The student can deduct this amount until gross earnings reach $6,960 for
the year.

For four months the student will get FULL SSI check plus earnings.

The fifth month the student will be able to deduct $940.00 from the gross
earnings and get an adjusted SSI check of $470.00

The sixth month, assuming the student still makes $1,505.00, his SSI cash
check will be $0.

WHY IS THAT A GOOD DEAL?

Using SEIE, the student will have gross annual earnings of $18,060.00, or
an approximate net of $13,545.00.

For four of those months the student will get full SSI check of $710.00 for
total of $16,385.00 (earned approximate net of $13,545.00 plus SSI total
($710 x 4) of $2,840.00).

The fifth month the student will get adjusted SSI check of $470.00 for a
new grand total of $16,855.00. The student gets a $0 SSI check for the rest
of the year.

If the student had just received an SSI check for the full year he would have
gotten a total of $8,520.00

We’re talking a difference of $8,335.00 and that’s some money!
(and don’t forget about EITC!)
• WHAT’S THE CATCH?

For one thing, the resource limit has to be kept down to $2,000.00.

So then what good is that extra $8,335….The student could start a
PASS…or Individual Development Account...or a 529 to save for
college, and the money would be protected from SSI resource
limits.

There are lots of possibilities that a Community Work Incentive
Coordinator or DRS Benefits Subject Matter Resource Staff can
help you think through.
THE HARSH REALITY
50 % towards rent
$ 355.00
20 % towards food, essential household items
142.00
15 % Car Insurance, Gasoline, and repairs
106.50
15 % toward utilities
106.50
Total
$ 710.00
This does not take into account that the consumer can get SNAP.
This consumer will have to get Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or Public
Housing assistance and energy assistance to be able to afford the roof over
his/her head and heat/air conditioning.
SO WHAT DO I REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SSI?

Let the consumer that SSI is a formula: the more money a person makes
in earned income will always result in more money in their pocket, even
after taxes.

SSI has lots of different work incentive programs that allow a person to
to work without losing Medicaid and/or cash benefits for a long time.

Encourage the consumer to consider working at the maximum number of
hours and for the most money he/she is able to earn.

Make sure that any information you give is accurate. Check with your
DRS SMR or other professionals before giving the answer!

If this is tough for you to understand, imagine how impossibly difficult it is
for the consumer to understand. Patience, encouragement and
commitment to finding out the right answer goes a really long way!

Living on SSI is living in poverty.

The first step is to destroy the illusion.

It isn’t magic-or impossible, it’s just math and facts…and
knowledge.

If you don’t bust those myths and assist the person in taking
that first step, the journey can never begin.
NOW LET’S MOVE
TO
SOCIAL SECURITY
DISABILITY
INSURANCE!
HOW DOES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE
WORK?

Social Security Disability Insurance= Title II (2) or SSDI

Insurance program that provides cash benefit and/or Medicare

To qualify:

Meet all five steps of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)
sequential evaluation;
and

Meet “recent work” and “duration of work” tests.
(Certain blind workers have to meet only the “duration of work”
test).

No resource limits!

RECENT WORK TEST

Before age 24: 6 credits earned in the 3-year period ending when
disability starts.

Age 24 to 31: Working half the time between age 21 and the time of
disability. Example: At age 27 consumer needs credit for equivalent of
three full years of work (12 credits) out of the past 6 years (between ages
21 and 27).

Age 31 or older: In general must have earned at least 20 of the credits in
the 10 years immediately before onset of disability.
First Quarter:
Second Quarter:
Third Quarter:
Fourth Quarter:

January 1 through March 31
April 1 through June 30
July 1 through September 30
October 1 through December 31
Maximum of four credits per year. Earned credits are not restricted to one
per quarter.
SSDI QUARTERLY CREDITS BY YEAR
YEAR
EARNINGS
YEAR
EARNINGS
YEAR
EARNINGS
1978
$250
1993
$590
2008
$1,050
1979
260
1994
620
2009
1,090
1980
290
1995
630
2010
1,120
1981
310
1996
640
2011
1,120
1982
340
1997
670
2012
1,130
1983
370
1998
700
2013
1,160
1984
390
1999
740
1985
410
2000
780
1986
440
2001
830
1987
460
2002
870
1988
470
2003
890
1989
500
2004
900
1990
520
2005
920
1991
540
2006
970
1992
570
2007
1,000

DURATION OF WORK TEST

Work does not have to fall within a certain period of time
Before age 28 : 1.5 years of work
Age 30: 2 years
Age 34:3 years
Age 38: 4 years
Age 42: 5 years
Age 44: 5.5 years
Age 46: 6 years
Age 48: 6.5 years
Age 50: 7 years
Age 52: 7.5 years
Age 54: 8 years
Age 56: 8.5 years
Age 58: 9 years
Age 60: 9.5 years
SSDI WORK INCENTIVES
 Cash benefit based on earnings after five month waiting period.
 Medicare after 24 month waiting period (after five month waiting
period).
 Certain family members may be eligible for a check from an individual’s SSDI
account including
• Spouse any age caring for a child of beneficiary younger than 16 or disabled.
• Unmarried child, including adopted, or, in some cases, stepchild or grandchild
younger than 18, or younger than 19 if in elementary or secondary school full
time.
• Unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that
started before age 22. (The child’s disability must meet the
definition of disability for adults.)
For more information on what other family members can draw off an
SSDI beneficiary’s account and information/fact sheets on all SSA
benefits and retirement programs go to:
www.ourfamilysecurity.com.
SSDI CASH BENEFIT
 There is a maximum SSDI cash benefit. In 2012 it was $2,513 a
month. Payments received from worker's compensation, a public
disability benefit, or a pension based on earnings not covered
under Social Security may reduce the amount of cash benefit.
 The five month waiting period exists to permit disability to be
‘corrected’, or for consumer to show signs of probable recovery
within less than 12 months after the onset of disability.
 An eligible spouse or child can get a monthly benefit up to one-half
of beneficiary’s monthly benefit. There is a Family Maximum
(Fmax) limit. Fmax varies, but is typically between 150% and 180%
of consumer’s amount.
MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE

Receive 24 months after first cash check
 Medicare Part A: Hospitalization, limited skilled nursing facility care,
home health care, hospice care and blood.
No monthly premium costs – there are deductibles or copayments.
 Medicare Part B: Doctors’ services, outpatient medical, hospital and
surgical services, clinical laboratory services, home health care, blood
and various preventive services.
Premium is $104.90 per month in 2013.
 Medicare Part D: prescription drug coverage.
Costs vary based on plan and medications.
 Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage Plan.
Covers A and B and generally have lower copayments than traditional
Medicare.
I WILL LOSE MY SSDI IF I GO TO WORK
FACT: THERE ARE SSDI WORK INCENTIVES THAT
LET CONSUMERS KEEP THEIR CASH
CHECK OR STATUS WHEN THEY
WORK!
 Trial Work Period (time limited)
 Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
 Subsidy/Unincurred Business Expense
 And More!
SSDI WORK INCENTIVES
Plan to Achieve Self Support (Only before application or in 12 month period
after receiving SSDI and loss of SSI)
Unsuccessful Work Attempt
Trial Work Period
Impairment Related Work Expense
Subsidy/Special Conditions
Unincurred Business Expense (self-employment) Grace Period
Extended Period of Eligibility
Extended Medicare Eligibility
Expedited Reinstatement
Medicaid Buy-In
Medicare Buy-In for the Working Disabled (after extended Medicare eligibility
ends)
PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT (PASS)

Used to reduce SSDI in order to get SSI and get/retain Medicaid.

Time limited (48 months; can be extended).

Not a comparable benefit.

Must have earned income to create plan.

Must be able to live on amount left after putting money into PASS.

All purchases in plan must be related to employment goal.

Money in PASS must be spent on what is in plan or consumer will get
overpayment notice (on SSI side).

SSA will review PASS once a year at a minimum.

PASS form is located at: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-545.html or on cd.
TRIAL WORK PERIOD (TWP)
 Made up of nine months. “Trigger” amount that will tell you consumer is using or
has used a TWP is earnings of $750 (2013) or more in one month. Earn income
below $750 (2013) a month and no TWP month is used.
 TWP months do not have to be used consecutively.
 It is possible to use some months of a TWP but to never complete TWP.
 Once consumer uses nine months during any rolling sixty month period the TWP
ends.
 During TWP months the consumer can make any amount of money and will still
receive full SSDI cash benefit.
 Cannot use IRWE or Subsidy until TWP ends.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) TRIAL WORK PERIOD (TWP)
JAN
FEB
MAR APR
2008
TWP
MAY JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT OCT
NOV
2
4
5
6
TWP TWP
3
7
1
2009 10
11
12
13
8
14
15
16
17
18
TWP TWP
19
20
DEC
9
TWP
21
2010
22
23
24
25GP
26GP 27GP 28
29
30
31
32
33
2011
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
2012
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
TWP
TWP 56
57
54
2013
58
59
60
TWP
55
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) TRIAL WORK PERIOD (TWP)
JAN
FEB
MAR APR
MAY JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT OCT
TWP
2008
NOV
TWP TWP
1
2009 3
4
5
6
DEC
7
8
9
10
11
TWP TWP
12
13
2
TWP
14
2010
15
16
17
18GP 19GP 20GP 21
22
23
24
25
26
2011
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
2012
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
TWP 49
50
TWP
47
2013
51
52
53
TWP
54
55
56
57
58
59
48
60
TWP TWP
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) TRIAL WORK PERIOD (TWP)
JAN
2008
FEB
TWP
MAR APR
TWP TWP
1
2
TWP
3
MAY JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT OCT
NOV
DEC
TWP 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
4
5
2009 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2010
25
26
27
28GP
29
GP
30GP
31
32
33
34
35
36
2011
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
2012
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
TWP
TWP TWP TWP
57
2013
58
59
60
IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE)

Exactly same rules as SSI IRWE. The difference is that IRWE is used in
SSDI to reduce earned income to below SGA after completion of
TWP.

No SSA form. See cd for sample IRWE application.

Send application to the local SSA Work Incentive Liaison or SSA Area
Work Incentive Coordinator.

May be asked for proof of need (e.g. medical records, doctor’s
prescription).

Must provide proof monthly that items or services were paid by filling
out SSA Form 795 (http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-795.pdf or on cd)
and copies of cancelled check(s), or paid receipt(s). Must include
statement on SSA-795 that no reimbursement was or will be received
for the IRWE, and that no agency or other source is underwriting the
expense for the consumer.
SUBSIDY OR SPECIAL CONDITION

A special employment situation that exists where employer subsidizes
earnings of employee by paying more in wages than the reasonable value of
the actual services performed.
Examples: Job coach; extra breaks related to disability; works at
slower pace than other employees in similar position; “carved” or
restructured job duties so that person does less tasks than
employees in similar positions.

Used to reduce consumer’s earnings to under SGA after completion of
TWP.

Use SSA Form 3033 (http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-3033.pdf or on your
cd; or employer can write letter: see cd for example letters and calculation
sheet for figuring out amount of subsidy).
SUBSIDY OR SPECIAL CONDITION (continued)
•
Look for possible Subsidy with these consumers (if they are making SGA or
above):
 The nature and severity of the impairment indicates that the employee probably
receives unusual help from others in doing the work.
 Childhood Disability Beneficiary (CDB)-previously known as Disabled Adult Child or
‘DAC’.
 Diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness.
 Appears to be a marked difference between the amount of pay and the value of the
services.
 The employer, employee, or other interested party alleges that the employee does not
fully earn his/her pay (e.g., the employee receives unusual help from others in doing the
work).
 The employee is involved in a government-sponsored job training and employment
program.
 The person is in the military service.
 Works in sheltered workshop.
IF WAGES CAUSE SSDI CASH BENEFIT TO STOP, THERE’S NO
WAY TO GET THAT CASH BENEFIT BACK
FACT : CONSUMERS CAN STAY IN ELIGIBILITY
STATUS EVEN WHEN THEY DON’T GET A
CASH CHECK!
 Extended Period of Eligibility
 Expedited Reinstatement
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
JAN
FEB
MAR APR
MAY JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT OCT
2008
NOV
DEC
TWP TWP
TWP
$700
2009
2010
TWP TWP
TWP
GP
GP
GP
EPE
GP EPE
GP EPE
GP
$900 $1750 $1750 CHECK CHECK CHECK
2011
2012
2013
EPE
EPE
EPE
NO
NO
NO
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
EPE
EPE
EPE STOP
$1035 $1035 $2500 $2500
NO
EPE
NO
EPE
NO
EPE
EPE
NO
EPE
EPE
NO
EPE
$750 $750
EPE
TWP TWP
TWP
$750 $750
$750
EPE
EPE
EPE
NO
NO
NO
NO
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
$750
$750 $750 $1500
EPE EPE
NO
$700 $700
EPE
EPE
EPE
NO $900 $950 $1000
ExR runs for 60 months and Medicare continues
for 93 months after TWP ends!
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
JAN
FEB
MAR APR
MAY JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT OCT
2008
NOV
DEC
TWP TWP
TWP
$700
2009
2010
TWP TWP
TWP
EPE
GP
EPE
GP
EPE
GP
$900 $1750 $1750 $900 $900 $900
2011
2012
EPE
2013
$0
EPE
$0
$0
$950
$950
$950
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
$0
$0
$0
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
$950
$950 $950
$950
$950
$0
$0
$0
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
EPE
$0
$0
EPE EPE
$0
$0
$0
$750
$750
EPE
EPE
EPE
$750 $750
EPE
EPE
EPE
TWP
EPE
EPE
EPE
TWP TWP
EPE
EPE
$0
EPE
EPE
$700 $700
$0
EPE EPE
$750
Medicare continues for 93 months
after TWP ends!
$750 $750
GP
STOP
GP
$750 $900
GP
$1035 $1035 $1035 $1035 $1035 $1035 $1035 $1035 $2500 $2500 $2500
ExR
runs for
5 years!
GRACE PERIOD
 Three months of full SSDI check. Starts the first month in which the consumer makes SGA or above
after all nine months of TWP have ended. Could happen during EPE or after…or never.

Runs consecutively; if consumer makes above SGA one month and then loses job he/she will still use
final two months of the Grace Period.
EXTENDED PERIOD OF ELIGIBILTY (EPE)
 Runs for consecutive 36 months (three years). Begins immediately after the TWP ends, no matter
what earnings are, or are not, in those 36 months! May never happen if consumer does not
complete TWP.

Consumer will receive full SSDI cash benefit check in any month he/she makes below SGA during
EPE. Consumer will not receive an SSDI cash benefit check at all in any month he/she makes above
SGA during EPE.
EXPEDITED REINSTATMENT
 60 month period that begins the first month after the EPE ends, or whenever the consumer receives
last SSDI cash benefit (whichever is later). During this time the consumer can get back onto SSDI
without going through initial application stage and receive six months of SSDI cash benefit (usually in
amount of last cash benefit received) while SSA re-determines eligibility for SSDI.

Six months of SSDI cash benefits do not have to be repaid if consumer determined ineligible.
IF I GO BACK TO WORK, I WILL LOSE MY MEDICAL
FACT: CONSUMERS CAN KEEP MEDICAL WHEN
THEY WORK!
Extended Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Buy-In for the Working Disabled
Texas Medicaid Buy-In
EXTENDED MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

If a consumer gets SSDI, he/she gets Medicare. If a consumer
does not leave the rolls (continues to get SSDI), Medicare
continues.

If the consumer leaves the rolls (SSDI is terminated), Medicare
will continue for at least 93 months after the Trial Work
Period.

Even after Extended Medicare ends, the consumer has the
option to buy into Medicare.
MEDICARE BUY-IN FOR WORKING DISABLED
 Allows the working disabled to purchase Medicare coverage (during specified
enrollment periods) after premium-free Medicare coverage ends.
 Premium Hospital Insurance (Part A) is available at the same monthly cost
that uninsured eligible retired beneficiaries pay, which is $441 a month in
2013.
 Premium Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B) is available at the same
monthly cost that uninsured eligible retired beneficiaries pay, which is
$104.90 in 2013.
 A person can buy Part A separately without Part B, but cannot buy Part B
unless also buying Part A.
 Premium Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) is also available.
 Person may qualify for a reduction of Part A premium.
 Depending on earnings person, person may qualify for assistance in paying for
Medicare coverage
MEDICAID BUY-IN
 A great resource for SSDI beneficiaries at any point in their
SSDI journey when they are working and earning any amount of
money.

SSDI beneficiaries are ‘presumptively eligible’ for Medicaid
Buy-In!
 Medicaid
Buy-In can wrap around Medicare and cover some
services that Medicare won’t!
IF I START RECEIVING SSDI FROM MY PARENT’S ACCOUNT, I
LOSE MY MEDICAID AND MY HOME AND COMMUNITY
BASED WAIVER
FACT: CONSUMERS CAN KEEP MEDICAID AND
WAIVER STATUS WHEN THEY BECOME
AN SSDI BENEFICIARY THROUGH THEIR
PARENT’S ACCOUNT!
 SSA on federal level
Texas on state level
CHILDHOOD DISABILITY BENEFICIARIES
 Consumer is over the age of 18 and disability occurred prior to age 22.
 Mom or Dad retired, passed away or became disabled.
 Consumer can draw off of Mom or Dad’s SSDI or RSDI account.
 Be careful when consumer is SSI and becomes CDB-especially if consumer is
in a Home and Community Based Waiver (like CLASS, HCS or TxHML).
 Consumer gets to keep Medicaid under SI 01715.015 Special Groups of
Former SSI Recipients

On the SSA end the only way to absolutely guarantee this will happen is to go
into the SSA office with print out of SI 01715.015.
(https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715015 or on cd).
Currently the consumer should receive at least three letters.


Two letters will be from SSA:
1.
One letter will be a “Notice of Action” for Supplemental Security Income. This
letter will inform the consumer of their termination of SSI due to drawing
CDB.
2.
The other letter will be a “Notice of Award” for Retirement, Survivors and
Disability Insurance .
This letter will show approval for CDB status and the amount of the new
cash benefit the consumer will be receiving.
The third letter will be from HHSC Centralized Benefits Services in Midland,
Texas.
This letter will terminate the consumer from Medicaid.
IN ORDER TO CONTINUE RECEIVING MEDICAID THE
CONSUMER MUST RE-APPLY IMMEDIATELY.

Consumer must connect with Waiver Case
Manager or Service Coordinator and let them
know their current SSA and Medicaid status.

It is possible that the consumer will receive a
letter terminating him/her from a Waiver.
If this happens the consumer should file an appeal
immediately. By the time the hearing is
scheduled the issue should be straightened out.
Working always results in overpayments
FACT: THERE ARE STRATEGIES TO PREVENT
OVERPAYMENTS!
 Report regularly.
 Consumer should get a receipt from SSA to document
that they reported.
 Know the overpayment rules! If the overpayment is
$1,000 or under it can be automatically waived. No
matter what the amount is, request reconsideration, a
waiver, or negotiate a low, low re-payment plan.
• REPORTING EARNED INCOME
 Consumers receiving SSDI can only report using Form SSA-821-BK
(http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-821.pdf or on cd) or by taking or mailing
in check stubs to the local SSA office.
 Find out how your SSA office wants earned income reported if you can!
 Unless you have specific information from a person within a local SSA office
on how and when your consumers should report, have them report. No
matter how little someone makes, REPORT.
REPORT! REPORT! REPORT! REPORT!
REPORT!
SO WHAT DO I REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SSDI?

Let the consumer that there are a lot of safeguards in place to allow
him/her to try working without losing Medicare and/or cash benefits for
a long time.

Encourage the consumer to consider working at the maximum number of
hours and for the most money he/she is able to earn.

Make sure that any information you give a consumer is accurate
information. Check with your DRS SMR or other professionals before
giving the answer!

If this is tough for you to understand, imagine how impossibly difficult it is
for the beneficiary to understand. Patience, encouragement and
commitment to finding out the right answer goes a really long way!

Remember that most consumers receiving SSDI did have a robust work
history. They are most likely want to go back to work and get off
benefits.
LET’S TALK ABOUT
WHO’S WHO IN
THE
TEXAS BENEFITS
WORLD!
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIGURE ALL THIS
OUT??????
Good News!
There are folks right here in Texas who can help!
 Available to DRS VRCs and other DRS staff for technical assistance regarding
federal and state benefits and work incentives programs.
See complete list of DRS Benefits SMRs statewide on the Intranet under
Counselors Toolbox, Benefits Planning section, or on your cd.
Contact a DRs Benefits SMR:
If you work for DRS.
Have a general question about federal or state benefits.
If you are working with a consumer who receives SSI and/or SSDI and have
questions about the impact work will have on Social Security benefits.
Have specific questions about any of the SSI/SSDI work incentive programs.
Have questions about which work incentive program might be right for the
consumer with whom you are working.
Have a question about the DRS Work Incentive of the Month.
Have questions about state specific benefits and work incentives programs
(e.g. MBI, energy assistance, housing).
Want a benefits and work incentives overview training at your office.
• WHO ARE CWICs?

The Community Work Incentive Coordinators (Work Incentive
Planning and Assistance Programs) were funded by an SSA grant
that was terminated June 30, 2012.
 DARS is now purchasing benefits services for consumers who
receive SSI or SSDI from former (certified) CWICs.
 DARS staff can use any CWIC in Texas. Current CWICs are
listed on a separate document on your cd, and also in the
Counselor Toolbox on the Intranet under “Benefits Planning”.
GETTING YOUR CONSUMERS
BENEFITS AND WORK INCENTIVES PLANNING
SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
To find out more about how to purchase benefits services from a certified
Community Work Incentive Coordinator, or how your consumers can get free
general information about the affect of earnings on benefits:
1.
Bring up the Intranet
2.
On menu bar across the top go to “Programs” and select “Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (DRS)” from the drop down box .
3.
Go to menu list on right side of page and click on “Counselor Toolbox”. “Counselor
Toolbox” is the sixth choice on this list.
4.
Click on “Benefits Planning”. “Benefits Planning” is the fifth choice on this list.
*You will be using the MAPS code “WIPA” when purchasing these services
• WHAT CWICs DO NOT DO:
 Provide free services.
 Assist with overpayments.
 Trainings on benefits and work incentives programs.
• WHAT CWICs DO:
 Provide written detailed introductory information on affect of earnings on benefits.
 Provide written Work Incentive Analysis Plan that details all federal and state benefits the
consumer is receiving; how earned income will affect those benefits; and what work incentive
programs might be used to retain health insurance and make an informed decision about their
benefits.
 Provide assistance with applying for specific federal and state work incentive programs.
• The best way to interact with the CWIC and assist the
consumer is:
 Make sure you are referring consumers who are appropriate for CWIC
services.
 Have the consumer bring or send their Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) to
the appointment with the CWIC whenever possible. A consumer can obtain a
BPQY by calling and requesting it or using SSA Form 3288
(http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-3288.pdf or on your cd). Not doing this will
delay delivery of the consumer’s Work Incentive Analysis/Plan.
 Check the deliverable from the CWIC before you pay for quality and
accuracy…and to make sure both you and the consumer understand the
information!

Consumers may also contact a representative at SSA’s Work
Incentive Information and Referral Center (WIIRC) at 1-866968-7842 (voice) or 1-866-833-2967 (TDD)

Representatives help consumers understand SSI and SSDI
programs, Social Security’s work incentives, and the effects of
earnings from work on cash benefits and health care coverage,
including Medicare and Medicaid.

Services may include helping consumers select a TTW EN,
developing Benefits Summary and Analyses (BS&As) and Work
Incentive Plans (WIPs), counseling on state-specific benefits,
offering guidance about reporting earnings in a timely manner,
and referring them to community-based supports and financial
services providers.
•WORK INCENTIVE LIAISONS (WIL)
Each local Social Security Administration (SSA) office has a Work Incentive
Liaison(WIL). Part of their job is to be a WIL. WILs provide advice and information
about SSA’s work incentive provisions and employment support programs to
individuals with disabilities and outside organizations that serve those with
disabilities.
• AREA WORK INCENTIVE COORDINATORS (AWIC)
AWICs are SSA employees who provide assistance to the SSA personnel,
beneficiaries, ENs, DRS and DBS,WIPAs and others in the community on
employment support and outreach issues by:
 Training those working on SSA's employment support programs on the Ticket to
Work program and work incentives (that’s you all!).
Helping to resolve work-issues in some cases.
Presenting information about the Ticket to Work program and work incentives.
Monitoring disability work-related activities and issues in their Federal region.
Approving and reviewing all PASS plans.
Lists of current WILs and AWICs are on your cd.
• TEXAS HEALTH INFORMATION COUNSELING AND
ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP) is a partnership of the Texas Legal
Services Center and Departments of Insurance and Aging and Disability Services.
 Housed in the 28 Texas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the Texas HICAP consists of
both certified Regional Benefits Counselors and trained volunteers who assist
people age 60 and older, as well as Medicare-eligible persons with disabilities of any
age, with benefits planning.
 Generally speaking, AAA benefits counselors provide information, counseling,
assistance and advocacy regarding Medicare and Medicaid, benefits, entitlements and
legal rights, including general SSI/SSDI information; help people get on benefits; and
assist with appeals.
 They may provide more or less detailed assistance with aspects of SSI/SSDI and state
specific programs depending on the individual AAA. Contact your local AAA to find
out exactly what your local Texas HICAP offers.
A list of the Texas AAAs and the counties they serve can be found on your cd.
 In general, Texas Community Center Consumer
Benefits Officers (CBOs) assist people with serious and
persistent mental illness and intellectual and developmental disabilities
who are receiving services through an MHMR in applying and getting
qualified for SSI, SSDI and/or various Texas Health and Human Services
Commission benefits.
 Some CBOs work with consumers or other staff to ensure awareness
of work incentives.
 Each Texas Community Center (also known as MHMR) govern their
CBOs differently.
 You will need to contact your local Community Center/MHMR CBO to
find out exactly what your closest program offers.
A complete list of Texas Community Centers is on your cd.
•Some Centers for Independent Living can provide
packets by mail or general information by phone about
benefits and work incentives.
•Disability Rights Texas can provide packets by mail with
general information about benefits and work incentives.
IF I WORK, MY RENT WILL GO UP
FACT: HUD HAS WORK INCENTIVES, TOO!
 Hud’s Earned Income Disregard (statewide)
 Family Self-sufficiency Program
(check with local Public Housing Authority)
EARNED INCOME DISREGARD

Consumers in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, public housing programs and some
other housing programs qualify for these programs!

Rent does not go up for one year if the individual was not working during the previous 12
months, or averaged less than 10 hours of work per week at minimum wage.

In the second year it only goes up by 50% and after that it may go up to market value, but
it may not.

All housing authorities must participate in this program.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

These programs offer everything from transportation to child care to job coaching
assistance. Each family self sufficiency program differs in what it offers.

It is up to each local housing authority to decide to offer a family self sufficiency program,
and what services to offer. Participation in this program is not mandatory.

Most local housing authorities in larger cities in Texas have this program.

Call your local housing authority to find out if they have the program and what services
they offer. Find your closest housing authority at this link:
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/texas
THE ANSWER?
A LOT!
• There are service/programs that support employment (beside us!) for consumers
with physical disabilities, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and
Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) including home and community based
waivers.
• There are different national programs the state runs like SNAP, TANF, energy
assistance, Assistive Technology and 529 College Savings Programs.
• There are different national programs that partners in the state run like the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program , Individual Development Accounts.
• There are different national programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit
If it’s something the consumer needs to support them in employment…from
computers to housing to child care to food to transportation, we can probably find
it for you!

If you say any of the following you can’t go wrong!
 SSDI
cash works in stages and has lots of safety nets for trying
work, and even has provisions for getting back onto the
system even if you are terminated from cash and health care
benefits!
 Medicare
continues as long as you get a check and continues
even after that for many years! You qualify for Texas’
Medicaid Buy-In if you receive SSDI and are working.
 SSI
cash amount is determined by a formula….you will always
have more money if you work.
 SSI
Medicaid continues as long as you get any SSI, and even if
you make up to $32,387 (2013) or higher each year!
Start the conversation with your consumers.
Attend follow up benefits trainings.
Read DARS Work Incentive of the Month that comes via e-mail.
 Don’t give up! Keep in touch, your DRS Benefits SMR is just a short walk down the
hall… or a phone call/e-mail away.
Benefits and Work Incentives can best be summed up by Lao Tzu’s proverb:
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for
a lifetime”
Dive in, the water’s great!