Vol. 1, Issue 3, Nov/Dec 1993	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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FINANCING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AT Funding Through Social Security Work Incentives

Ron Sibert, DATI Funding Specialist

In our last newsletter, we discussed new ways of looking at Vocational Rehabilitation, and mentioned how it can sometimes be better for VR clients to get equipment through other programs.

There are two work incentive programs available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provide great opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain assistive technology (AT) devices and related services. These programs do not pay for AT directly, but they are powerful tools that allow income to be set aside to purchase equipment. In some cases such purchases can even help increase income! That's right – it is possible for a person to buy equipment using one of these programs and end up with more money than s/he could without the purchase.

Here's the story (with several alphabet letters thrown in for good measure). People who receive or qualify for social security benefits, i.e., Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are eligible to use SSA's work incentive programs. The first, called the IWRE (Impairment Related Work Expense) program, can be used under both SSI and SSDI. The second program, called the PASS (Plan Achieving Self Support) is only available to SSI beneficiaries.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

As the name implies. SSDI is a type of insurance. Eligibility is based on disability status and inability to work. In addition, a person must have paid into the Social Security program, e.g., through payroll deductions, for about half the number of years since having reached age 21. SSDI beneficiaries receive a monthly cash allowance. Now, SSA measures a person's disability status/inability to work in terms of an income level called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Earnings must be at or below the SGA level in order for the person to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The IRWE is used to purchase equipment and services in a way that reduces income below the SGA level. This allow for the purchase of equipment and services while allowing the beneficiary to retain both earned income and SSDI income.

Impairment Related Work Expense (IWRE):

An IWRE can include payments for any ser- vice or item a person may need in order to work. Some popular examples are: transportation (including purchase of cars/vans) medication, medical equipment, home modifications (including ramps), office/work-related machinery… the list goes on. There are three basic requirements:

• Items or services must be purchased directly by the person (remember to keep all receipts).
• Items/services should not be reimbursable through other funding sources such as public or private insurance.
• The items/services are necessary in order for the person to work.

The last requirement can include a very broad range of device and services. For instance, equipment needed to prepare for work before leaving home can be purchased through an IRWE. Transportation to and from work, and even assistance in the home after work are reasonable options. For the IRWE, the requirements under SSI and SSDI are very similar. Contact your local Social Security Administration office for more information.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a small monthly income supplement for people of all ages with disabilities and for people who are age 65 or older. It is different from SSDI in that eligibility is not based on the employment status/history of the beneficiary (or the family's primary wage earner). It is based on the individual's income level. The person must have no income for at least one month prior to applying, and have very limited resources. Resource and income levels are calculated by complex formulas; some income is counted, and some is not – certain resources are countable, and others are not. The best approach is to contact the Social Security office for eligibility information.

Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS):

The PASS is a way of setting aside money to purchase equipment or services needed to accomplish vocational goals in a way that keeps income below the cutoff for SSI eligibility. So there is no reduction of benefits. The money can then be used to finance assistive devices, education, business start-up, etc. Unlike the IRWE, the PASS must be in writing and approved by the SSA. Remember—it is only available to SSI recipients. Each PASS is reviewed periodically by the SSA to be sure that the approved plan is being followed. A separate bank account should be established for the set aside money. Contributions should be made to the account according to the schedule stated in the PASS. Finally, the plan's time-frame cannot exceed 48 months, Two notes of caution: 1) Once money has been set-aside for a PASS, spending it for something else can result in loss of SSI benefits, and 2) the PASS set-aside does not affect SGA determinations under SSDI. In that situation, PASS money is still considered SGA income and cannot be excluded to help qualify a person for SSDI benefits.

For more information, call the Delaware's Social Security Administration office at 323-0304 or 1-800-772-1213 or the Delaware Department of Labor/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at 368-6570.