Social Security, Ticket to Work

One of Puna Kamali'i Flowers, Inc.'s top priorities is the promotion of a successful Hawaii economy and infrastructure so that businesses of all sizes can flourish to provide job opportunities for everyone.

SSI

Social Security Administration supports employment opportunities by providing benefits called work incentives.

Ticket to Work - Financial award payments for Ticket Holders

Puna Kamali'i Flowers, Inc. pays out financial awards to qualifying individuals with disabilities during the first three years when they go back to work.

Substantial Gainful Activity

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) means the performance of significant physical and/or mental activities in work for pay or profit, or in work of a type generally performed for pay or profit, regardless of the legality of the work.

SSDI

To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have insured status as former workers, or be eligible on the insured status of a specific relative like a parent or spouse.

Trial Work Period

After individuals have been disabled for one year, Social Security encourages beneficiaries to test their ability to re-enter the work force. To accomplish this objective, they begin a timeline that includes a Trial Work Period (TWP) and an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).

Extended Period of Eligibility

SSDI - At the conclusion of the Trial Work Period, a person will enter a 36 months (consecutive) Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).

Impairment Related Work Expense & PASS

Two additional work incentives allow you to deduct additional money beyond the exclusions mentioned above, under specific circumstances. They are only briefly described here, and are complicated, so you will need to speak to your local Social Security Representative or an advocate for complete details.

1619a & 1619b

Under Section 1619, a person who is eligible for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) can begin receiving SSI cash payments without reapplying at any time earnings drop below the break-even point (the point at which after deducting your earned income you would receive an SSI payment).

Student Earned Income

This allows a person who is under age 22 and regularly attending school to exclude up to $1,340 of earned income per month:

Blind Work Expense

Expenses can include transportation to and from work, federal and state income taxes, union dues, or translation of materials into Braille.

Strategies for Managing your Work Incentives

Always report changes in earnings to your local office. Otherwise, you risk being overpaid or underpaid in your monthly check, and could owe them a refund.

For Further Information

Further information about SSI and work incentives is contained in the publication Red Book On Work Incentives, a Summary Guide to Social Security and Supplemental Income Work Incentives for People with Disabilities.