BENEFITS AND FUNDING
Social Security
Social Security is financial protection provided by the federal government to help maintain the basic well-being and protection of citizens. Social Security benefits do not have to be disrupted because you earn a paycheck. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed incentives for people with disabilities to work even if they are collecting Social Security benefits. To get a better understanding of how your benefits could be affected, it is very important to sit down with a Social Security disability representative in your area. Call 1-800-772-1213, or click here and enter your zip code to find the contact information for your local Social Security office.
The SSA's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs are the largest federal programs providing assistance to people with disabilities. Only individuals who have disabilities and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. For example, Joe has worked for 20 years at Home Depot. But now, due to his medical needs, he can no longer work. He can receive Social Security Disability Income because he’s worked long enough to have paid into the SSDI Fund. He has paid for that insurance.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. And it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
As stated above, it is very important to schedule a consultation with a Social Security disability representative in order to understand your specific needs and the benefits you are entitled to receive.
To find out which benefits you might be eligible for and to learn how to apply for them, visit this website: Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
Work incentives from SSA
Social Security offers some work incentives that allow you to work and keep your benefits, which may apply to you.
Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)
A Plan for Achieving Self Support, also known as PASS, is a plan for your future. Maybe you need to go back to school or you would like to start your own business, but you do not have the money. Whatever your work goal may be, a PASS can help you reach it. A PASS is an SSI work incentive that lets you set aside your money to go to school to get specialized training for a job or to start a business.
A PASS is meant to help you get items, services, or skills you need to reach your goals without losing your SSI benefits. Learn more here.
Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE)
The Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) is another work incentive available to individuals who receive SSDI and/or SSI. IRWE allows you to keep more of your Social Security check when you work. IRWE can be used if you have expenses that:
1. Are related to a serious medical condition,
2. Are needed in order for you to work, and
3. Are paid for by you and will not be reimbursed by another source.
Some possible IRWE expenses may include:
- Medications
- Costs for attendant care
- Costs for modifying your vehicle and other items
- Transportation costs (in certain situations)
- Costs for necessary medical devices
- Medical services
- Job coaching expenses that you paid for on your own
Even though you may believe that something would qualify as an Impairment-Related Work Expense, the Social Security Administration may not agree. So it is important to speak with a Social Security representative in order to determine if an expense is eligible under IRWE (making your SSI check higher). For more information about IRWE, visit this website: SSI Spotlight on Impairment–Related Work Expenses.
Ticket to Work
Another program from the SSA is the Ticket to Work program. This support program allows a person with a disability to take a Ticket to purchase support from an approved employment provider as part of the Ticket to Work & Workforce Investment Act.
Organizations that are selected to participate in the Ticket to Work program must provide people with disabilities the opportunity and support to prepare for, obtain and keep jobs that will realistically enable them to achieve independence.
If you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you will be called a Ticket Holder. You may assign your Tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of your choice to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to help you become as self-sufficient as possible through work opportunities.
To learn more about the Ticket to Work program, visit this website: Ticket to Work.
Funding Sources
In addition to Social Security incentives, there are other agencies that can help fund job supports you might need to assist you in finding and keeping a job. Listed below are key agencies that provide job developer, job coach, transportation and other necessary supports for some autistic adults.
State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
VR agencies can give you vocational assessments that lead up to the development of an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). A variety of employment-related services can be provided under an IPE, including training, counseling, job placement, and supported employment. Services through VR agencies are considered to be successful when you are found to be stable in a job. If you have not done so yet, click here to find your local VR office.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
State and local Developmental Disabilities services operate under a variety of different names across the country. Some states control these services through the supervision of local agencies or they may be managed by a local community service board. Frequently the funding for these services comes through the Home and Community Based Services Waivers (HCBS). The requirements for gaining access to these services vary from state to state. Several employment services can be accessed through this funding source and can include supported employment, case management services and counseling and treatment services.
Visit the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) for more information about Medicaid Waivers.
Search for your state Developmental Disability Agency here.