Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Amy, It depends on your personal Medicaid costs, the amount of your out-of- pocket impairment related work expenses, if your state has a Medicaid Buy-In program, and other factor. Read the rules in the Red Book about SSI, especially 1619b. Then ask questions about whatever is unclear. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ I'm happy to answer questions. Alana Retired Benefits Planner > > Do you know the amount I can earn before it's deducted from my SSI? > Thanks. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Amy, I believe it is $65 after subtracting out any work related expenses and discounting any PASS savings. After that, they take 50 cents for every dollar earned. I just attended a seminar about it, so I think that's right. You might want to check Social Security's Redbook online to double-check: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ Jenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Opps, you beat me to it! On Jan 31, 2009, at 11:18 PM, Alana wrote: > Amy, > > It depends on your personal Medicaid costs, the amount of your out-of- > pocket impairment related work expenses, if your state has a Medicaid > Buy-In program, and other factor. Read the rules in the Red Book > about SSI, especially 1619b. Then ask questions about whatever is > unclear. > > http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ > > I'm happy to answer questions. > > Alana > Retired Benefits Planner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks, Alana! On Jan 31, 2009, at 11:18 PM, Alana wrote: > Amy, > > It depends on your personal Medicaid costs, the amount of your out-of- > pocket impairment related work expenses, if your state has a Medicaid > Buy-In program, and other factor. Read the rules in the Red Book > about SSI, especially 1619b. Then ask questions about whatever is > unclear. > > http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ > > I'm happy to answer questions. > > Alana > Retired Benefits Planner > > > > > > Do you know the amount I can earn before it's deducted from my > SSI? > > Thanks. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Okay, now I'm even more confused. This whole working thing is going to frustrate the hell out of me. It said something like $44k for NY. Bah! Am I just reading the wrong section or what? BTW, thanks. =) On Feb 1, 2009, at 11:04 AM, Malatesta wrote: > > I believe it is $65 after subtracting out any work related expenses > and discounting any PASS savings. After that, they take 50 cents for > every dollar earned. I just attended a seminar about it, so I think > that's right. You might want to check Social Security's Redbook > online to double-check: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Amy, Try this. I wrote it for Californians on SSI in 2007, but it'll give you the gist in less bureau-speak. Note: Medi-Cal in California = Medicaid; SSI amounts are different in some states; the rules are otherwise federal, so do apply. The Medicaid Buy-In program in each state is different so you'll have to talk with a benefits advocate in NY for specifics. What part of NY are you in? I can ask my colleagues who's good near you. Alana Rules for Folks on SSI and Working There is a formula that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses for SSI beneficiaries with additional income from employment. Please Note: There are different rules for blind and/or self- employed beneficiaries. There are also different rules for SSI beneficiaries with unearned income such as SSDI, alimony, etc. Those rules are not addressed here. SSI RATES IN 2007 - Living Independent in California Only Note: A beneficiary may not receive the full SSI amount because they are receiving help with housing or food costs or are repaying an overpayment. - Aged or Disabled (non-Blind) Single Individual - $856.00 - Blind Single Individual - $921.00 - Couple, Both Aged or Disabled (non-Blind) - $1,502.00 - Couple, One Aged or Disabled, One Blind - $1,644.00 - Couple, Both Blind - $1,729.00 REPORTING INCOME - Reporting your income in writing is required. Mail or bring in original pay stubs and original receipts for IRWE's. SSA will make copies and return the originals to you. No matter what anyone tells you, it is NOT possible to officially report your income over the phone. - You should report your income by the 10th day of the following month in which you earned it. It doesn't count WHEN you WORKED...It counts WHEN you were PAID. Ex: If you work all February and get paid on March 1st, it's March income to be reported by April 10th. Get paid on July 15th & 31st, report your income to SSA by August 10th, and your September SSI check will be reduced accordingly. THE SSI WORK INCENTIVE FORMULA - The 1st $85.00 you earn in a month doesn't count against your SSI. - After that, for every dollar you earn, half ($.50) is deducted from your future SSI check; the other half you keep. - SSA uses your GROSS income (before taxes and deductions) when making these calculations; not your NET income (the actual pay amount). Example: If in July you earn $800 gross, and your monthly SSI is $856, and if you report your income by August 10th: $800.00 (Your Gross Earned Income) - $85.00 ($65 Earned Income Exclusion + $20 General Income Exclusion) $715.00 Divided by 2 = $357.50 (Countable Income) You keep $85.00 and $357.50 and SSA reduces your September SSI by $357.50 (July's Countable Income), paying you $498.50 in September. IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSES (IRWE's) You may deduct the cost of out-of-pocket expenses that relate to your disability AND work. Examples: - Acupuncture to manage pain - Adaptive software or equipment to use at work - Vitamin supplements - Appointment and prescription co-payments - Personal assistance services (PAS) not covered by another source but required to be able to work - Transportation in a modified vehicle There is not a standard list of allowed IRWE's. They are determined on an individual basis. One may be required to provide written justification from a medical practitioner. THE SSI WORK INCENTIVE FORMULA w/IRWE's Example: If in July you earn $800 gross, your monthly SSI is $812, and if you report your income by August 10th, AND you spend $100 on IRWE's: $800.00 (gross Earned Income) - $85.00 ($65 Earned Income Exclusion + $20 General Income Exclusion) $715.00 - $100.00 (IRWE's) $615.00 Divided by 2 = $307.50 (Countable Income) You keep $85.00, and you keep $307.50, and SSA reduces your September SSI by $307.50 (July's Countable Income), paying you $548.50 in September. MEDI-CAL (MEDICAID) & IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS is in CALIFORNIA) If your earnings are high enough for the above formula to make your SSI payments go down to $0.00, you are automatically put into a category called 1619(. This is a section of the Social Security Act that maintains your Medicaid eligibility if your gross annual earnings are below $39,920. This figure is called the 1619( Standard Threshold. This amount is the 2007 amount for California only. If your earned income goes higher than the 1619( Standard Threshold, you may still be eligible for Medicaid if your medical expenses are high and your earnings and any other existing insurance cannot support your medical needs - SSA will calculate an Individual Threshold for you. Example: You earn $2,200.00/mo. gross and have medical insurance through your employer. The insurance does not cover necessary Personal Assistance Services (PAS). IHSS pays $2,226.00/mo. for 212 hours of PAS. Because IHSS pays for necessary health care that is too expensive for your earned income to pay, you will maintain your Medi-Cal and IHSS eligibility. You must continue to report income and IRWE's every month to SSA. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND SSA defines disability as an inability to work. Working contradicts this definition, hence, you are defying a basic premise under which the SSA disability rules were written. It is likely that mistakes will be made when calculating you SSI eligibility. KEEP all your paperwork and make notes of verbal interactions with SSA. There is no statute of limitations on SSA looking back to question earnings and SSI payments. It's best to either have stable income or to set your earnings aside until the month your SSI goes down. Most of this information is in Social Security's Red Book at the SSA office or on-line at http://www.ssa.gov > > Okay, now I'm even more confused. This whole working thing is going to > frustrate the hell out of me. It said something like $44k for NY. Bah! > Am I just reading the wrong section or what? > BTW, thanks. =) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thank you so much, Alana. That helped a lot. On Feb 1, 2009, at 4:08 PM, Alana wrote: > Amy, > > Try this. I wrote it for Californians on SSI in 2007, but it'll give > you the gist in less bureau-speak. Note: Medi-Cal in California = > Medicaid; SSI amounts are different in some states; the rules are > otherwise federal, so do apply. The Medicaid Buy-In program in each > state is different so you'll have to talk with a benefits advocate in > NY for specifics. What part of NY are you in? I can ask my > colleagues who's good near you. > > Alana > > Rules for Folks on SSI and Working > > There is a formula that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses > for SSI beneficiaries with additional income from employment. > > Please Note: There are different rules for blind and/or self- > employed beneficiaries. There are also different rules for SSI > beneficiaries with unearned income such as SSDI, alimony, etc. Those > rules are not addressed here. > > SSI RATES IN 2007 - Living Independent in California Only > > Note: A beneficiary may not receive the full SSI amount because they > are receiving help with housing or food costs or are repaying an > overpayment. > > - Aged or Disabled (non-Blind) Single Individual - $856.00 > > - Blind Single Individual - $921.00 > > - Couple, Both Aged or Disabled (non-Blind) - $1,502.00 > > - Couple, One Aged or Disabled, One Blind - $1,644.00 > > - Couple, Both Blind - $1,729.00 > > REPORTING INCOME > > - Reporting your income in writing is required. Mail or bring > in original pay stubs and original receipts for IRWE's. SSA will > make copies and return the originals to you. No matter what anyone > tells you, it is NOT possible to officially report your income over > the phone. > > - You should report your income by the 10th day of the > following month in which you earned it. It doesn't count WHEN you > WORKED...It counts WHEN you were PAID. Ex: If you work all February > and get paid on March 1st, it's March income to be reported by April > 10th. Get paid on July 15th & 31st, report your income to SSA by > August 10th, and your September SSI check will be reduced accordingly. > > THE SSI WORK INCENTIVE FORMULA > > - The 1st $85.00 you earn in a month doesn't count against your > SSI. > - After that, for every dollar you earn, half ($.50) is > deducted from your future SSI check; the other half you keep. > - SSA uses your GROSS income (before taxes and deductions) when > making these calculations; not your NET income (the actual pay > amount). > > Example: If in July you earn $800 gross, and your monthly SSI is > $856, and if you report your income by August 10th: > > $800.00 (Your Gross Earned Income) > - $85.00 ($65 Earned Income Exclusion + $20 General > Income Exclusion) > $715.00 Divided by 2 = $357.50 (Countable Income) > > You keep $85.00 and $357.50 and SSA reduces your September SSI by > $357.50 (July's Countable Income), paying you $498.50 in September. > > IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSES (IRWE's) > > You may deduct the cost of out-of-pocket expenses that relate to your > disability AND work. > > Examples: - Acupuncture to manage pain > - Adaptive software or equipment to use at work > - Vitamin supplements > - Appointment and prescription co-payments > - Personal assistance services (PAS) not covered by > another source but required to be able to work > - Transportation in a modified vehicle > > There is not a standard list of allowed IRWE's. They are determined > on an individual basis. One may be required to provide written > justification from a medical practitioner. > > THE SSI WORK INCENTIVE FORMULA w/IRWE's > > Example: If in July you earn $800 gross, your monthly SSI is $812, > and if you report your income by August 10th, AND you spend $100 on > IRWE's: > > $800.00 (gross Earned Income) > - $85.00 ($65 Earned Income Exclusion + $20 General > Income Exclusion) > $715.00 > - $100.00 (IRWE's) > $615.00 Divided by 2 = $307.50 (Countable Income) > > You keep $85.00, and you keep $307.50, and SSA reduces your September > SSI by $307.50 (July's Countable Income), paying you $548.50 in > September. > > MEDI-CAL (MEDICAID) & IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS is in > CALIFORNIA) > > If your earnings are high enough for the above formula to make your > SSI payments go down to $0.00, you are automatically put into a > category called 1619(. This is a section of the Social Security > Act that maintains your Medicaid eligibility if your gross annual > earnings are below $39,920. This figure is called the 1619( > Standard Threshold. This amount is the 2007 amount for California > only. > > If your earned income goes higher than the 1619( Standard > Threshold, you may still be eligible for Medicaid if your medical > expenses are high and your earnings and any other existing insurance > cannot support your medical needs - SSA will calculate an Individual > Threshold for you. > > Example: You earn $2,200.00/mo. gross and have medical insurance > through your employer. The insurance does not cover necessary > Personal Assistance Services (PAS). IHSS pays $2,226.00/mo. for 212 > hours of PAS. Because IHSS pays for necessary health care that is > too expensive for your earned income to pay, you will maintain your > Medi-Cal and IHSS eligibility. You must continue to report income > and IRWE's every month to SSA. > > THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND > > SSA defines disability as an inability to work. Working contradicts > this definition, hence, you are defying a basic premise under which > the SSA disability rules were written. It is likely that mistakes > will be made when calculating you SSI eligibility. KEEP all your > paperwork and make notes of verbal interactions with SSA. There is > no statute of limitations on SSA looking back to question earnings > and SSI payments. > > It's best to either have stable income or to set your earnings aside > until the month your SSI goes down. > > Most of this information is in Social Security's Red Book at the SSA > office or on-line at http://www.ssa.gov > > > > > Okay, now I'm even more confused. This whole working thing is going > to > > frustrate the hell out of me. It said something like $44k for NY. > Bah! > > Am I just reading the wrong section or what? > > BTW, thanks. =) > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 That's why I used to make the big bucks....Not! ;-) You're welcome. > > Thank you so much, Alana. That helped a lot. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I figured it's worth a try. On Feb 1, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Alana wrote: > That's why I used to make the big bucks....Not! > > ;-) > > You're welcome. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Good luck! It feels really good to get out and work. Also, it's nice to have the income. I had an interview on Friday, pink hair and all. Was offered the job. Leaning towards saying " yes. " Will be thinking about you! Alana > > LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I figured it's > worth a try. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Alana, was that the job you told me about? Let us know when you decide! > From: Alana <alrt@...> > Subject: Re: work and SSI - Alana? > > Date: Sunday, February 1, 2009, 2:07 PM > Good luck! It feels really good to get out and work. Also, > it's nice > to have the income. I had an interview on Friday, pink > hair and all. > Was offered the job. Leaning towards saying > " yes. " > > Will be thinking about you! > > Alana > > > > > > > LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I > figured it's > > worth a try. > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > A FEW RULES > > * The list members come from many backgrounds, ages and > beliefs So all > members most be tolerant and respectful to all members. > > * Some adult language and topics (like sexual health, > swearing..) may > occur occasionally in emails. Over use of inappropriate > language will > not be allowed. If your under 16 ask your parents/gaurdian > before you > join the list. > > * No SPAMMING or sending numerous emails unrelated to the > topics of > spinal muscular atrophy, health, and the daily issues of > the disabled. > > Post message: > Subscribe: -subscribe > Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Wow and awesome! What is the job? L ________________________________ From: Alana <alrt@...> Sent: Sunday, February 1, 2009 4:07:43 PM Subject: Re: work and SSI - Alana? Good luck! It feels really good to get out and work. Also, it's nice to have the income. I had an interview on Friday, pink hair and all. Was offered the job. Leaning towards saying " yes. " Will be thinking about you! Alana > > LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I figured it's > worth a try. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Good luck!!! The employee discount would be nice these days. L ________________________________ From: Amy <blueyedaze@...> Sent: Sunday, February 1, 2009 4:03:10 PM Subject: Re: Re: work and SSI - Alana? LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I figured it's worth a try. On Feb 1, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Alana wrote: > That's why I used to make the big bucks....Not! > > ;-) > > You're welcome. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks, ladies! On Feb 1, 2009, at 5:17 PM, Lori G wrote: > Good luck!!! The employee discount would be nice these days. > > L > > ________________________________ > From: Amy <blueyedaze@...> > > Sent: Sunday, February 1, 2009 4:03:10 PM > Subject: Re: Re: work and SSI - Alana? > > LOL! I have an interview at Walmart tomorrow. *gags* I figured it's > worth a try. > > On Feb 1, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Alana wrote: > > > That's why I used to make the big bucks....Not! > > > > ;-) > > > > You're welcome. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Yes, it is. I will tell everyone more if I decide to accept. Cheers! Al > > Alana, > was that the job you told me about? > Let us know when you decide! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Amy, How was the Walmart interview? When will you hear back from them? Alana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh man, it was one shitpile after another. The woman was rude, greeted me by curtly asking why I was there before I could even get a word out. Then I sat there for ten minutes while she finished interviewing someone else, only to find out they " lost " my application and had already hired someone else. The idea or working for a corporation like Walmart wasn't sitting well with me - these events just solidified those feelings! On Feb 3, 2009, at 8:33 PM, Alana wrote: > Amy, > > How was the Walmart interview? When will you hear back from them? > > Alana > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 sorry it was such an unforgivably bad experience!!!! linda 2009/2/4 Amy <blueyedaze@...> > Oh man, it was one shitpile after another. The woman was rude, greeted > me by curtly asking why I was there before I could even get a word > out. Then I sat there for ten minutes while she finished interviewing > someone else, only to find out they " lost " my application and had > already hired someone else. The idea or working for a corporation like > Walmart wasn't sitting well with me - these events just solidified > those feelings! > > > On Feb 3, 2009, at 8:33 PM, Alana wrote: > > > Amy, > > > > How was the Walmart interview? When will you hear back from them? > > > > Alana > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Thank you! On Feb 4, 2009, at 10:51 AM, Moss wrote: > sorry it was such an unforgivably bad experience!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Oh, gosh. I'm really sorry. Demoralizing AND a waste of time. I've been thinking that same thing you said in a message earlier, I think you were responding to the stressful circumstances of 's new job. It is really important to care about what we do. I keep being reminded by my periodically-pissed-off body that life is short. As I re-enter the workforce I'm trying to do 2 things: Make sure I care about what I do; and not let my job become my idenity like I have in the past, because I might not be able to do it for long. More thoughts after I wash my hair. ;-) Alana > > Oh man, it was one shitpile after another. The woman was rude, greeted > me by curtly asking why I was there before I could even get a word > out. Then I sat there for ten minutes while she finished interviewing > someone else, only to find out they " lost " my application and had > already hired someone else. The idea or working for a corporation like > Walmart wasn't sitting well with me - these events just solidified > those feelings! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 And now that my hair is clean, more thoughts... Amy, I think your sentiments about the problems in the Independent Living Movement are very real. I've been working in it for 20 years and on numerous occasions have hit the glass ceiling that affects women, and people with more progressive conditions. I've also seen it adversely affect people of color with disabilities. There's an odd hierarchy shuffling between people with ALL types of disabilities; developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities, cognitive impairments, sensory impairments, mobility disabilities, hidden disabilities, and chronic illnesses. We all seem to fight with each other for a relatively small pot of resources, and these trends are greatly influenced by whatever federal and foundation funders decide is sexier at the moment. Kendra, you make some interesting points about it being important for us to not devalue ourselves in the workforce, but I think you simplified the issue in your last message by assuming Amy's point is primarily about disability diagnosis. I'm seeing a really big difference between my generation of workers with disabilities and your. My generation is less likely to have the formal education that yours has. I have especially seen that in looking at the education levels of me and my former co-workers at disability advocacy organizations compared to those who are being hired now. I see that today's younger people with disabilities believe that they will indeed be gainfully employed if they try hard enough, but statistics are not proving this to be true. Our unemployment rate remaims the same. The social and policy barriers are still insurmountable for many people with disabilities. You and I living in progressive urban areas with a very strong constituency of advocates with significant disabilities, are frankly, still on an island of privilege. There are more and more of these islands, but until we have access to health care that really meets our health care needs without requiring that we meet federal poverty guidelines, people with disabilities that are progressive, episodic, and/or unpredictable, employment is going to remain an extremely difficult achievment. In Solidarity, Alana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Alana, That has always been my hugest obstacle. Beautifully put! Jenn On Feb 4, 2009, at 4:07 PM, Alana wrote: > ...until we have access to health care that really meets our health > care > needs without requiring that we meet federal poverty guidelines, > people with disabilities that are progressive, episodic, and/or > unpredictable, employment is going to remain an extremely difficult > achievment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Thank you, Jenn. That's why I make the big bucks! > > > ...until we have access to health care that really meets our health > > care > > needs without requiring that we meet federal poverty guidelines, > > people with disabilities that are progressive, episodic, and/or > > unpredictable, employment is going to remain an extremely difficult > > achievment. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 As well you should! On Feb 4, 2009, at 5:44 PM, Alana wrote: > Thank you, Jenn. That's why I make the big bucks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Me too! Sent from my Verizon BlackBerry Re: Re: work and SSI - Alana? sorry it was such an unforgivably bad experience!!!! linda 2009/2/4 Amy <blueyedaze@...> > Oh man, it was one shitpile after another. The woman was rude, greeted > me by curtly asking why I was there before I could even get a word > out. Then I sat there for ten minutes while she finished interviewing > someone else, only to find out they " lost " my application and had > already hired someone else. The idea or working for a corporation like > Walmart wasn't sitting well with me - these events just solidified > those feelings! > > > On Feb 3, 2009, at 8:33 PM, Alana wrote: > > > Amy, > > > > How was the Walmart interview? When will you hear back from them? > > > > Alana > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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