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 businesses of all sizes can flourish and provide job opportunities for everyone.

2009 Social Security Changes

 

Ticket to Work - Free Assistance for Ticket Holders

Puna Kamali'i Flowers, Inc. has a contract with the Social Security Administration to provide free work related services to qualified beneficiaries of SSI and/or SSDI through the Ticket to Work program.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. 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. SSA evaluates the work activity of persons claiming or receiving disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and/or claiming benefits because of a disability (other than blindness) under Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under both programs, SSA uses earnings guidelines to evaluate work activity to decide whether the work activity is substantial gainful activity and whether the individual is considered disabled under the law. 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.

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 how high your earnings might be as long as your work activity has been reported and you have a disabling impairment.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After you complete your TWP, you begin your Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).*

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a monthly cash benefit that is available from the Social Security Administration to help low income children and adults with disabilities.

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.

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.