Guest guest Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 Hi all: The following is from Marsie Frawley of Health and Disability Advocates in Chicago. My thanks to her for providing us with this very thorough response. If anyone has further questions, do not hesitate to contact Marsie. If you get further information or clarification, it would be great if you could share it with the group. Thanks. Ellen " Here is some clarification on 'credits' to be earned towards eligibility for SSDI on one's own record and then after a 24 month waiting period attaining eligibility for Medicare. The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage (QC) in 2010 is $1,120. " Quarter of coverage " is the legal term, but you may also see the term " Social Security credit " (or just " credit " ). A Quarter of Coverage is the unit for determining whether a worker is " insured " under the Social Security program. Only 4 QC's can be earned in one year. So, the most a person can earn for 4QC's in 2010 is: $4,280. This amount increases each year in January with increases in the national average wage index. The amount for 2009 was $1,090. As we all are aware, there are many, many reasons that make it particularly beneficial for students to be working while in school. But as Diane (and other IPADDU listers) noted, a huge reason to work while in school is for the student to earn 'credits' towards eligibility for SSDI on their own record. By earning 6 credits before the age of 24, students then become eligible for Medicare, after a 24 month waiting period. One advantage of Medicare usually includes greater access to doctors as fewer doctors in Illinois are accepting Medicaid payment. The number of credits required to be earned between ages 24 and 31 increases to 12 credits; age 31 to 42 require 20 credits; and the numbers increase beyond the age of 42 to age 62 when 40 credits are required, so the sooner the credits are earned, the better. A quarter of coverage, or credit, can be earned in any part of the year. So, it is conceivable that a student who works for the whole year could earn $8.00 an hour and work about 12 hours a month. This translates to earning $94 a month and therefore earning one credit over one year's time. If an 18 year old worked at this (or at the credit amount for the year) level during their 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st years and whatever months before they turn 22 and still in school, they will have earned 5 credits towards being insured by SSA, at graduation! They still have 2 more years to earn that last credit before age 24! Diane's question about who to talk to is a bit more complicated but certainly workable. You are all more aware of the hierarchy in the schools than I. Hopefully, the vocational coordinator, Special Education Director and Division of Rehabilitation Service would be allies. At a minimum, if a Transition Plan goal was written to " earn one credit towards being an SSA insured worker " , then it would be the work of the Transition Planning team to help determine the steps necessary to make this happen! I know of some innovative parents (Laurie and Joan!) who have worked very hard to incorporate the resources of their school and community to help their adult children work and earn these credits in some very creative ways as a main component to the Transition Plans. If there are further queestions, please feel free to refer folks to me at: mfrawley@... I love that work is being reinforced as a Good Thing! Marsie Marsie Frawley Health & Disability Advocates 205 W. Monroe St., Suite 300 Chicago, IL. 60606 312 265 9069 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 Hi all: The following is from Marsie Frawley of Health and Disability Advocates in Chicago. My thanks to her for providing us with this very thorough response. If anyone has further questions, do not hesitate to contact Marsie. If you get further information or clarification, it would be great if you could share it with the group. Thanks. Ellen " Here is some clarification on 'credits' to be earned towards eligibility for SSDI on one's own record and then after a 24 month waiting period attaining eligibility for Medicare. The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage (QC) in 2010 is $1,120. " Quarter of coverage " is the legal term, but you may also see the term " Social Security credit " (or just " credit " ). A Quarter of Coverage is the unit for determining whether a worker is " insured " under the Social Security program. Only 4 QC's can be earned in one year. So, the most a person can earn for 4QC's in 2010 is: $4,280. This amount increases each year in January with increases in the national average wage index. The amount for 2009 was $1,090. As we all are aware, there are many, many reasons that make it particularly beneficial for students to be working while in school. But as Diane (and other IPADDU listers) noted, a huge reason to work while in school is for the student to earn 'credits' towards eligibility for SSDI on their own record. By earning 6 credits before the age of 24, students then become eligible for Medicare, after a 24 month waiting period. One advantage of Medicare usually includes greater access to doctors as fewer doctors in Illinois are accepting Medicaid payment. The number of credits required to be earned between ages 24 and 31 increases to 12 credits; age 31 to 42 require 20 credits; and the numbers increase beyond the age of 42 to age 62 when 40 credits are required, so the sooner the credits are earned, the better. A quarter of coverage, or credit, can be earned in any part of the year. So, it is conceivable that a student who works for the whole year could earn $8.00 an hour and work about 12 hours a month. This translates to earning $94 a month and therefore earning one credit over one year's time. If an 18 year old worked at this (or at the credit amount for the year) level during their 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st years and whatever months before they turn 22 and still in school, they will have earned 5 credits towards being insured by SSA, at graduation! They still have 2 more years to earn that last credit before age 24! Diane's question about who to talk to is a bit more complicated but certainly workable. You are all more aware of the hierarchy in the schools than I. Hopefully, the vocational coordinator, Special Education Director and Division of Rehabilitation Service would be allies. At a minimum, if a Transition Plan goal was written to " earn one credit towards being an SSA insured worker " , then it would be the work of the Transition Planning team to help determine the steps necessary to make this happen! I know of some innovative parents (Laurie and Joan!) who have worked very hard to incorporate the resources of their school and community to help their adult children work and earn these credits in some very creative ways as a main component to the Transition Plans. If there are further queestions, please feel free to refer folks to me at: mfrawley@... I love that work is being reinforced as a Good Thing! Marsie Marsie Frawley Health & Disability Advocates 205 W. Monroe St., Suite 300 Chicago, IL. 60606 312 265 9069 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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