SYSTEMS DESK
REFERENCE
A guide to disability-related resources and common
Social Security Administration (SSA) work incentives
for persons with disabilities interested in employment.
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive desk reference identifies agencies, organizations,
and contacts available to support individuals with disabilities who wish
to work. This gives a brief description of the agency’s purpose, what
the agency can offer other professionals or consumers, and answers to
frequently asked questions to guide in accessing resources.
This reference is intended to highlight employment supports focusing
on individuals with disabilities, and not duplicate existing sources of
information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1:
RESOURCES
Page
2-1-1
2
Affordable Rental Housing
2
Answers4Families
2
Assistive Technology Partners
2
Behavioral Health Services
3
Brain Injury Network
3
Community Action of Nebraska
3
Department of Education
4
Department of Health & Human Services
4
Developmental Disabilities System
4
Easter Seals of Nebraska
5
Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska
5
Hotline for Disability Services
5
Independent Living Centers
6
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
7
Nebraska Advocacy Services
7
Nebraska Client Assistance Program
7
NE Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
8
NE Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
8
Nebraska Library Commission
9
Nebraska Hospice & Palliative Care Partnership
9
NE Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities
10
Nebraska Resource & Referral System
10
Nebraska Ticket To Work
10
Paralyzed Veterans of America
11
Social Security Administration
11
Veteran Affairs
11
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
12
Workforce Development
12
SECTION 2:
SSDI/SSI EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORTS (WORK INCENTIVES)
Page
Introduction
13
SSDI
13
SSI
13
Childhood Disability Benefits
14
1619A
14
1619B
14
Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities
14
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
14
Earned Income Exclusion (EIE)
15
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
15
Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)
15
Property Essential to Self Support
15
Expedited Reinstatement
16
Special Rules for Individuals who are Blind
16
Blind Work Expenses
16
1
SECTION 1:
RESOURCES
2-1-1
www.be211.org
A single source for information about community services, human services, and critical intervention.
There are two ways to gain assistance from the 2-1-1 network—by utilizing the calling center 24 hours
a day, seven days a week* or by searching the comprehensive social services database.
*2-1-1 calling is not available in all counties at this time.
AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING
www.housing.en.gov
This housing list and locator service will provide easy access to information about housing
opportunities throughout Nebraska. This free service allows Nebraskans to locate available rental
housing that best fits their needs either through the web site or via a toll-free number. Individuals
will be able to easily search for housing using a wide variety of search criteria, access other helpful
websites, as well as tools for renters, including an afford ability calculator, a rental checklist, and renter
rights and responsibilities information. It also provides information on supportive services throughout
the State, especially those services linked to housing needs. For more information visit the main web
site or www.l-housing.com or www.nifa.org or call 888-806-6287.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
ANSWERS4FAMILIES
www.answers4families.org
Answers4Families’s mission is to provide information, opportunities for dialogue, education, and
support to Nebraskans with special needs and their families; by developing and providing internet
resources; and by encouraging others to do the same. For more information visit the web site.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP (ATP)
www.nde.state.ne.us/atp
The Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) is dedicated to helping Nebraskans with disabilities, their
families and professionals obtain assistive technology devices and services since 1989. In addition the
web site offers information on locating affordable housing and a free online service to list and find
equipment for loan, sale, demonstration, or to give-away. For more information visit the web site or
call in Lincoln 402-471-0734 (V/TTY) or 888-806-6287 (V/TTY).
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
2
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/beh/behindex.htm
The Nebraska Health and Human Services System’s Division of Behavioral Health Services contracts
with six Regional Behavioral Health Networks across the state to ensure access to mental health
and substance abuse services for all Nebraskans. The Regions contract with local community-based
providers of services to meet the needs of individuals that promote services close to their home and
support system. Additional services are provided in the state-operated Regional Centers for those with
serious and persistent mental illness in need of acute inpatient or secure residential services. For more
information visit the web site or call 402-471-7818.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
BRAIN INJURY NETWORK (BIN)
The Brain Injury Network (BIN) supports Nebraskans statewide in acquiring and sharing information
about brain injury resources and services and in advocating to enhance services and supports for
individuals and their families.
Brain Injury Regional School Support Teams (BIRSST) provide consultative services with schools to
assist in planning for educational needs of students, answer questions, assist in locating resources,
and assist with behavioral and cognitive issues. For more information call:
Western:
308-635-3696
Central:
308-995-6585
Southeast:
402-436-1000
Northeast:
402-887-5041
Omaha:
402-597-4934
COMMUNITY ACTION OF NEBRASKA (CAN)
http://www.canhelp.org/
Community Action helps the low-income gain the necessary skills to become self-sufficient. Nebraska
has nine Community Action Agencies, serving all 93 counties with a variety of programs designed to
empower low-income families and individuals and make our state a better place to live. Community
Action of Nebraska (CAN) serving as a bridge between the agencies and State, Federal, and private
organizations. In addition, CAN coordinates a few statewide programs such as the Nebraska Food
Pantry Network and the Low-Income Tax Assistance and Outreach project. For more information visit
their web site or call 402-471-3714.
3
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE)
www.nde.state.ne.us or
Special Populations web site: http://sites.esu9.org:8080/ndetransition/
The Nebraska Department of Education Special Populations Transition Services provide information
and resources for all stakeholders involved in assisting students with disabilities as they prepare to
transition from school to adult living. For more information visit the web site or contact the State
Transition Coordinator at 402-471-2471.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHSS)
www.hhss.ne.gov
The Nebraska Health and Human Services Department offers services in the areas of Medicaid
eligibility (Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities, Kids Connection, aged, disabled or blind
persons, parents with dependent minor children, children under 19 years of age, pregnant women),
Aid to Dependent Children, food stamp eligibility, energy assistance, and child care. In addition,
services related to developmental disability eligibility, personal assistance services, housekeeping,
transportation, and delivery of meals are provided.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SYSTEM
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/dip/dipindex.htm
The Developmental Disabilities System (DDS) is an agency within the Nebraska Health and
Human Services System. DDS is responsible for the system of services in Nebraska for persons with
developmental disabilities. While DDS does not directly deliver services except at the Beatrice State
Developmental Center (BSDC), it provides the funding and oversight of community-based providers of
these services. Services include: Service Coordination, Day/Vocational Services, Residential Services,
and Respite. For more information visit the web site or call the Central Office at 402-471-8715.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
4
EASTER SEALS NEBRASKA
www.ne.easterseals.com
Job seekers with disabilities can receive benefits planning services from Easter Seals Nebraska
to determine how employment will affect their benefits. Easter Seals Nebraska employs benefits
specialists to help job seekers reach self sufficiency through full use of state and federal work incentive
programs. Those benefiting from Easter Seals Nebraska’s services include Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, Nebraskans served by
the state vocational rehabilitation program, and young adults with disabilities who are transitioning
from school to the workforce. For more information visit the web site or call:
Omaha: 800-650-9880
Hastings: 800-471-6425
Lincoln: 888-858-5069
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER NEBRASKA, INC
www.goodwill.org
Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska serves the needs of a diverse population of individuals
residing in Nebraska with behavioral health needs and other disabilities and disadvantages. Goodwill
has effectively provided community support services to mental health individuals for over ten years and
community support to substance abuse/dependent individuals for over two years. The collaboration
with the Central Nebraska Chapter of Nebraska Alliance for the Mentally Ill brought family members
and consumers together to educate people in churches and communities in the center of Nebraska.
The increased awareness that resulted helped both organizations fulfill their missions while increasing
their community presence.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
HOTLINE FOR DISABILITY SERVICES
www.cap.state.ne.us
The Hotline for Disability Services provides information and referrals to Nebraskans who have
questions or concerns related to a disability. This includes information about rehabilitation services,
transportation, special parking permits, legal rights, and any other questions related to a disability.
For more information visit the web site or call 1-800-742-7594.
5
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
LEAGUE OF HUMAN DIGNITY (LHD)
www.leagueofhumandignity.com
The League of Human Dignity is an organization of people concerned about the rights and quality of
life for people with disabilities. League members collaborate to ensure social, economic, and political
equality for persons with disabilities. LHD believes in emphasizing likeness not difference, ability not
disability, normality not abnormality, and integration not segregation. LHD works toward independent
living for people who have disabilities. For more information visit the web site or call:
Lincoln: 402-441-7871
Norfolk: 402-371-4475
Omaha: 402-595-1256
Scottsbluff: 308-632-0470
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (CIL)
www.cilne.org
An independent living center offers four core services to people with disabilities including Information
and Referral, Living Skills Training, Advocate Assistance, and Peer Sharing. The Center for Independent
Living of Central Nebraska, Inc. offers these services to people with disabilities in order to help them
meet their goals for independence. For more information visit the web site or contact the Grand Island
office at 877-400-1004, or the North Platte Satellite office at 888-564-2852 for Medicaid Waiver and
Toy Bank services only.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
PANHANDLE INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES (PILS)
For more information please call 308-635-7901.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
6
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL (NAMI) NEBRASKA
www.nami.org/sites/ne
NAMI’s mission is to provide education, advocacy, and mutual support to empower Nebraskans
whose lives have been touched by mental illness. The statewide organization operates in partnership
with fifteen local affiliates that offer monthly meetings, support groups, and a caring presence to
consumers with mental illness and their families. For more information visit the web site or call 402345-8101.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
NEBRASKA ADVOCACY SERVICES (NAS)
www.nebraskaadvocayservices.org
Nebraska Advocacy Services, Inc. (NAS), The Center for Disability Rights, Law and Advocacy, is a
private, non-profit organization designated by the Governor to protect and advocate for the rights of
Nebraskans with significant physical or mental disabilities. For more information visit the web site or
call 800-422-6691.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
NEBRASKA CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)
www.cap.state.ne.us/
The Nebraska Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a free service to help consumers find solutions if they
are having problems with any of the following programs: Vocational Rehabilitation, The Nebraska
Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or Centers for Independent Living.
CAP acts independently of any agency which provides services to you. For more information visit the
web site or call 800-742-7594.
Q: What can CAP do for me?
A: Inform and advise you of benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act; provide information
on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act; assist and advocate for you through the appeal
process and in relationships with agencies providing services to you; help you communicate your
concerns to your counselor, help you resolve your concerns if you disagree with a decision, help you
understand agency rules, regulations, and procedures; and protect your rights under the Federal
Rehabilitation Act.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
7
NE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED (NCBVI)
www.ncbvi.ne.gov
The services provided by NCBVI include, but are not limited to, the following: Training in non-visual
(or “low vision”) skills that allow full participation in life; Educational assistance such as tuition, books,
equipment and readers; Vocational counseling and assistance in securing or maintaining employment;
Occupational equipment, tools, and supplies; and Peer support and counseling. NCBVI provides
consultation services for agencies and community organizations which come into contact with
blind persons.
Individuals are eligible to receive services if they have a visual condition which may lead to blindness,
or if their sight is “so defective as to seriously limit their ability to engage in the ordinary vocations and
activities of life.” This typically means persons who experience difficulties in visually pursuing day-today activities and obtaining or maintaining employment. NCBVI services are available to all ages and
they are tailored to individual’s unique needs and choice. For more information visit the web site or
call 877-809-2419.
Q: What Services does the Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired (NCBVI) provide?
A: NCBVI offers many special services and programs focusing on individual needs and building social
and vocational independence such as; Rehabilitation Teaching, Career Counseling and Guidance,
Transition Services and Orientation Center Training and many other specialized programs. Each
program is developed to meet the personal needs of the client.
Q: Is there a charge for the services?
A: No. The services are offered free of charge to all Nebraskans.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
NE COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING (NCDHH)
www.ncdhh.ne.gov
The mission of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is to improve the quality of
life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people of all ages by providing assistance, advocacy and access to
services and information. For more information visit the web site or call:
800-545-6244 v/tty
Lincoln
877-248-7836 v/tty
Omaha
888-713-3118 v/tty
North Platte
8
800-833-0920 (V)
800-833-7352 (TYY/ASCII); 711 (TTY)
888-696-0629 (Fast ASCII)
888-272-5527 (Speech to Speech)
888-272-5528 (Spanish)
Q: My doctor has diagnosed me with a hearing loss. What services are available for hard of hearing
people?
A: The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) is an information and referral
agency, geared to helping the deaf and hard of hearing community maintain a healthy quality of life.
Advocacy, equipment loan, hearing aid banks and mental health referral services are provided.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
NEBRASKA LIBRARY COMMISSION
www.nlc.state.ne.us.tbbs/
The Talking Book and Braille Service provides free books and magazines on cassette and in Braille to
individuals with a visual or physical condition or a reading disability which limits use of regular print.
Their collection of books and magazines is similar to those found in public libraries. Special cassette
players are also provided free of charge. Their descriptive Video Collection offers audio description
of the visual elements of movie and Public Television program videos and DVD’s. Books, magazines,
videos, and players are mailed to and from the library postage-free. For more information visit the web
site or call 800-742-7691 or in Lincoln call 402-471-4038.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
NEBRASKA HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE PARTNERSHIP
www.nebraskahospice.org
This far-reaching level of collaboration provides a strong foundation at both the professional and
consumer levels to increase employment opportunities for individuals living in chronic pain and to
provide valuable stakeholder input . A palliative care team works with clients with non-terminal
chronic conditions to provide non-medical interventions found to contribute to the control of pain and
improve their quality of life. This project utilizes teams to identify individuals, develop interventions,
and provide training to healthcare professionals as well as human service and employment staff
regarding the ability for individuals with disabilities to re-enter the workforce. For more information
visit the web site or call 402-477-0204.
9
NE PLANNING COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
www.hhs.state.ne.us/ddplanning/
The Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities is a twenty-three member council that
is appointed by the Governor. The Council focuses on persons who experience a severe disability that
occurs before the individual attends the age of 22, which includes persons with physical disabilities,
mental/behavioral health conditions and persons that are served by the current state developmental
disabilities system. The Council awards grants to various agencies to address gaps and barriers in the
system. Six regional councils receive funds from the State Council to carry out the Council’s goals at a
local level. For more information about the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities
contact Council staff at 402-471-2330.
NEBRASKA RESOURCE AND REFERRAL SYSTEM (NRRS)
www.nrrs.ne.gov
The NRRS is a statewide database created with input from Nebraska families, service providers and
organizations. The database was designed as a comprehensive internet resource that is user friendly
and easily accessible to individuals and families needing services across the state.
The NRRS provides toll free numbers as well as web sites and email contacts to help you connect to the
services you are seeking. This database provides individuals the opportunity to have a REAL CHOICE in
the diverse selection of service providers by allowing users to more easily locate and compare services
of local and state agencies. This statewide resource includes over 28 searchable categories, over 8000
resources, and up-to-date index listings. The NRRS is the fastest, most accurate and convenient way of
locating valuable resources online. For more information visit the web site.
NEBRASKA TICKET TO WORK (TTW)
www.nebraskatickettowork.org
The Ticket to Work program is a Social Security Administration program for individuals with disabilities
who want to work. It increases an individual’s choice in obtaining employment services, vocational
rehabilitation services, and other support services needed to get or keep a job. The SSA does not
conduct a continuing disability review of an individual’s medical condition while using a Ticket.
10
The Nebraska Ticket to Work web site is designed to serve as a resource for people with disabilities
who wish to explore employment opportunities, employers who want to find dedicated, talented
workers, and a resource for professionals who serve as shareholders in the system. The web site
includes information about Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities (MIWD), Personal
Assistance Services (PAS), the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG), and answers to many frequently
asked questions, as well as local and national resources. For more information visit the web site.
Nebraska Ticket to Work Listserv allows workers with disabilities to share employment experiences
and discuss the benefits of exploring employment options. It also serves as a forum for Nebraska
business leaders who actively recruit people with disabilities.
PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA (PVA)
www.pva.org/site/
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has worked to secure health care and benefits for veterans
of the armed forces living with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) and funded research into finding
care and cure since its founding. PVA works to maximize the quality of life for its members and all
people with SCI/D as a leading advocate for health care, SCI/D research and education, veterans’
benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs, and
disability rights. For more information visit the web site or call 800-454-7782.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)
www.socialsecurity.gov
The Social Security Administration handles social security cards, retirement benefits, disability
benefits, supplemental security income, Medicare (extra help with Part D), survivor benefits and death
benefits. For more information visit the web site or call 1-800-772-1213.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
VETERAN AFFAIRS (VA)
www.vets.state.ne.us
The Veteran Affairs office provides information on veteran’s benefits. For more information visit the
web site or call 1-800-827-1000.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
11
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (VR)
www.vocrehab.state.ne.us
The Employment Network for the Ticket as well as a State/Federal program assists individuals with
disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. For more information visit the web site or
call 1-877-637-3422.
Q: What kind of disabilities does Vocational Rehabilitation work with?
A: VR works with people with all types of physical, mental, or emotional disabilities who are willing
and able to work. Our sister agency, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired,
serve people with visual disabilities.
Q: If someone applies for VR, will that affect their Social Security benefits?
A: No, applying to VR will not affect their benefits.
However, once a person starts working, their benefits may be affected by earnings. While assisting
them in their plan to work, a VR Specialist will explain Social Security work incentives and how this may
or may not affect their benefits.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
www.dol.state.ne.us or www.socialsecurity.gov
The Nebraska Workforce Development center offers job search and placement assistance, career
guidance, online job search capabilities, job training resources, and workforce data including
employment projections, wage, and benefit information. Disability Navigators develop linkages with
employers & employer organizations through the One-Stop Career Centers to promote the hiring
of individuals with disabilities. They also serve as a resource on SSA’s work incentives and other
employment support programs, including the Ticket to Work provisions. For more information visit the
web site or call 1-800-772-1213.
Local Contact: ______________________________________________________________
12
SECTION 2:
SSDI/SSI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS
(WORK INCENTIVES)
Further information regarding any of the disability work incentives referenced in this document can
be found in the Social Security Administration Red Book. The 2006 Red Book serves as a general
reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and
the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals,
and counselors who serve people with disabilities.
The Red Book is a comprehensive reference guide on all of the employment-related provisions on
the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
The book is intended to provide beneficiaries, applicants, educators, advocates, counselors, and
rehabilitation professionals with a solid, up-to-date knowledge base on the programs’ technical
provisions. The 2006 edition has updated information on Substantial Gainful Activity amounts,
allowable monthly earnings for the Trial Work Period, and more.
The 2006 Red Book is available online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/index.html.
WHAT ARE SSDI AND SSI?
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are
“insured” by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are required
by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) which created Social Security taxes which are paid
based on an individual’s earnings or those of a spouse or parents.
SSI
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program makes cash assistance payments to aged, blind, and
disabled individuals (including children under age 18) who have limited income and resources. The
Federal Government funds SSI from general tax revenues. Most states pay a supplemental benefit to
individuals in addition to their Federal benefits.
SSDI and SSI share many concepts and terms. However, there are also many, very important differences
in the rules affecting eligibility and benefit payments. Many individuals may apply or be eligible for
benefits under both programs at the same time.
13
CHILDHOOD DISABILITY BENEFITS (CDB)
Eligibility criteria include individuals 18 years of age or older who are disabled by SSA’s definition
before age 22; and are the child of an insured worker who is disabled and receiving SSDI benefits,
retired and receiving Retirement benefits or is deceased.
SSDI/SSI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
1619A
1619A is a special cash benefit for individuals who are working and earning over the Substantial
Gainful Activity level up to the break even point when a SSI check is no longer due.
Substantial Gainful Activity Level is defined as working and earning over $ (see Red Book) in gross
wages per month.
1619B
1619 B is a continuation of Medicaid and SSI program eligibility. Countable wages are over the break
even point ($ see Red Book) but under the state threshold amount. Case by case determination is
made by the local SSA field office.
MEDICAID INSURANCE FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (MIWD)
MIWD is a Medicaid insurance program that allows workers with disabilities with high earnings to buy
Medicaid coverage. It gives people the opportunity to earn higher incomes without losing their health
care coverage. Through Nebraska’s MIWD program, workers with disabilities can earn more, save
more and keep their health care coverage. Contact a local HHSS Medicaid Eligibility Worker for details.
IMPAIRMENT-RELATED WORK EXPENSES (IRWE)
SSA deducts the cost of certain impairment-related items and services an individual needs to work
from gross earnings when it is determined if “countable earnings” demonstrate performance of
substantial gainful employment (SGA). It does not matter if the individual uses these items and
services for non-work activities.
14
EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (EIE)
SSA does not count most of an individual’s income when figuring an SSI payment amount. SSA
does not count the first $ (see Red Book) of an individual’s earnings in a month plus one-half of the
remainder. This means that SSA counts less than one-half of the earnings when figuring the SSI
payment amount. This exclusion applies in addition to the $ (see Red Book) general income exclusion
(an exclusion that is first applied to any unearned income received).
STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (SEIE)
If an individual is under age 22 and regularly attending school, SSA does not count up to $ (see Red
Book) of earned income per month when figuring an SSI payment amount. The maximum yearly
exclusion is $ (see Red Book). These amounts are adjusted each year based on the cost-of-living.
PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT (PASS)
An individual who is blind or disabled and receiving benefits can set aside or exclude income or
resources necessary for attaining a specific occupational goal. The income or resources set aside will
be excluded for determining SSI eligibility and payment. A PASS must have a realistic work goal, a
specific savings plan, and clear, sequential steps that lead to employment.
PROPERTY ESSENTIAL TO SELF SUPPORT
SSA does not count some resources that are essential to an individual’s means of self-support when
deciding initial and continuing eligibility for SSI. SSA does not count an individual’s property if used
in a trade or business (for example inventory) or use for work as an employee (for example tools or
equipment), regardless of the value or rate of return. Other use of the items does not matter. SSA does
not count up to $ (see Red Book) of equity value of non-business property that an individual uses
to produce goods or services essential to daily activities, regardless of the rate of return. SSA does
not count up to $ (see Red Book) of equity value of non-business income-producing property, if the
property yields an annual rate of return of at least 6 percent. However, SSA does not consider liquid
resources, for example stock, bonds, or notes as property essential to self-support, unless used as part
of a trade or business.
15
EXPEDITED REINSTATEMENT
If an individual’s SSDI or SSI benefits ended because of work and they had earnings, the individual can
request to have benefits started again without having to complete a new application. This became
effective January 1, 2001.
Additional reasons to request benefits start again:
Unable to work or perform SGA because of disability
An individual has an impairment(s) that is the same as, or related to, the impairment(s) that
allowed the individual to get benefits earlier.
A request is made within 5 years from the month SSA terminated an individual’s entitlement or
eligibility. (The termination month is usually later than the month an individual stopped receiving
cash benefits.)
SPECIAL RULES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND
Employment supports, in general, are special rules that help an individual return to work or work for
the first time. Some of the rules apply only to individuals who are blind. Congress included language in
the law specifically to make it easier for individuals who are blind to go to work.
BLIND WORK EXPENSES
SSA does not count any earned income that an individual uses to meet expenses that are needed to
earn that income in deciding SSI eligibility and payment amount. The Blind Work Expenses (BWE)
items do not have to be related to blindness. When figuring an SSI payment amount, items are treated
as BWE instead of IRWEs. This is done this way because it always results in a higher SSI payment
amount for the individual.
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Funded by a federal grant to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services from the
US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(11-P-92404/7-02).