SSA employment incentive guidelines

NYAPRS

Note: The Social Security Administration has released the 2008 Red Book: A Summary Guide to Employment Supports for Individuals with Disabilities under the SSD and SSI Programs. Keeping with the NYAPRS mission of highlighting and providing information on the many incentives there are for people to become employed we want to share this guide with you. A complete copy of the guide in English and Spanish can be found at:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/

The Red Book is a general reference tool designed to provide a working knowledge of SSD/SSI work incentives. The Red Book is written for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, counselors, and individuals with disabilities.

Brief Summary of changes in SSA work incentives as outlined by the guide:

SSA increased the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for individuals with disabilities, other than blindness, from $900 to $940 for 2008. SSA increased the SGA amount for individuals who are blind from $1,500 to $1,570 for 2008. SSA increased the monthly earnings amount that is used to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period (TWP) from $640 to $670 for 2008. For 2008, SSA increased the Supplemental Security Income Federal Benefit Rates (FBR) from $623 to $637 for an eligible individual and from $934 to $956 for an eligible couple. SSA increased the income amounts that will have no effect on eligibility or benefits for SSI beneficiaries who are students. For 2008, SSA increased the monthly amount from $1,510 to $1,550 and the yearly maximum from $6,100 to $6,240. For 2008, the monthly Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Base Premium is $423, and the 45 percent Reduced Premium is $233. The Part B Supplementary Medical Insurance monthly Base Premium is $96.40.

For more information contact Mat Mathai at mathewm@nyaprs.org.