The Bronx WIPA (Work Incentive Planning and Assistance) project is funded by the Social Security Administration to provide benefits analysis, ongoing case management, referrals for job placement, and other services to Bronx residents that receive SSI or SSDI.
Are you:
- A Bronx resident receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
- Between the ages of 14 and 65?
- Considering work, ready to go to work, or working now?
- Worried about your cash benefits?
- Worried about your health insurance?
- Eligible for an Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan at school?
- Worried about your disability related benefits for you and your family?
If yes, call 212.652.2030, or email us for help with your disability related benefits.
Our trained, bilingual benefits advisors can help you learn how to use Social Security work incentives to earn and save more money. Work Incentives make it possible for people with disabilities receiving SSI or SSDI to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.
Examples of SSI Work Incentives:
Student Earned Income Exclusion – If you are under age 22 and regularly attending school, earnings may be excluded from your countable earnings. As of January 1, 2007, a maximum of $1,510 may be excluded per month, up to a yearly maximum of $6,100.
Earned Income Exclusion – Most of your earned income is not counted when your SSI payment amount is determined. SSA does not count the first $65 of your earnings in a month plus one-half of the remainder. This means that less than one-half of your earnings are counted when determining your SSI payment amount.
Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) – SSI recipients can set aside money and/or resources in an approved account in order to fund professional development. The money set aside in a PASS is not counted in determining eligibility for SSI or in calculating the amount of the SSI benefit that individuals will receive.
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)– When SSA determines your monthly benefits check, the cost of certain impairment-related items that you need are deducted from your countable earnings.
Examples of SSDI Work Incentives:
Trial Work Period (TWP) – The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During your TWP, you will receive full SSDI benefits regardless of the amount of your earnings.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) – For three years following the end of the Trial Work Period, you will receive your full SSDI check during any month that you earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity level (SGA). As of January 1, 2007, the SGA is $900.
Continuation of Medicare Coverage – After the TWP, most people have at least 93 consecutive months of Medicare coverage.
Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits (EXR) – Benefits may be reinstated after the TWP and EPE are over.
