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SSI Work Incentives

SSI Work Incentives are rules that determine how your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will be affected while you prepare for and go to work. They are designed to help you enter or reenter the workforce. You are encouraged to work or to seek education or training for future employment. Work Incentives are intended to give you some of the support you need while you try to move from benefit dependency to increased self-sufficiency.

NOTE: In the 2001 and 2002 versions of its Red Book, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began using the term "Employment Supports" in place of "Work Incentives." See the SSA Red Book topic for additional information. The latest version of SSA's Red Book on Employment Support is available at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/

The SSI Work Incentives (Employment Supports) that affect your SSI cash benefit amount and Medicaid eligibility include:

·     Earned Income Exclusion

·     Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits

·     Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

·     Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE)

·     Blind Work Expense (BWE)

·     Cash Benefits when earning over SGA [1619(a)]

·     Medicaid when no cash benefits [1619(b)]

·     Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)

·     Property Essential to Self-Support

·     Continued Payments Under a VR Program

·     Special Benefits for 1619(a) or (b) SSI Recipients in a Medical Treatment Facility

The Work Incentives that affect initial eligibility for SSI by affecting the decision about whether or not you are engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) include:

·     Subsidy and Special Conditions

·     Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE)

·     Unsuccessful Work Attempt

·     Unincurred Business Expenses (Self-Employment Only)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Engaging in SGA prior to your receiving from SSA a final determination of eligibility letter telling you that you are eligible for SSI benefits can result in your being denied SSI eligibility, unless you meet the SSA criteria for blindness.

See Also:

SSDI Work Incentives

Work Incentives Overview

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