The Social Security Administration states that one of its "...highest priorities is to help [recipients] with disabilities achieve a better and more independent lifestyle by helping them to take advantage of employment opportunities." One way that the Social Security Administration supports this goal is by providing benefits called work incentives that are designed to help individuals enter employment. This brief summary offers information on the most commonly used work incentives which can help those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to attain and succeed in long term employment.

SSI is a monthly cash benefit that is available from the Social Security Administration to help low income children and adults with disabilities. People who receive SSI also automatically become eligible to receive Medicaid as a source of medical insurance in most states.

The work incentives have been designed to provide the working beneficiary and recipient with the additional income necessary to move toward financial independence. Brief descriptions of some of these incentives follow below. For more information, it is strongly recommended that you identify a knowledgeable advocate who can help you understand your options, and that you contact your local Social Security office.

1. Earned Income Exclusion

   This allows a portion of a person's salary to be excluded when figuring the SSI payment amount. SSI benefits are adjusted only after a certain level of income is reached:

   1. Up to $85/month of your income has no impact on your SSI check. This is the general income exclusion ($20) and the earned income exclusion ($65) combined. The general income exclusion applies to all income from any source, while the earned income exclusion only applies to income from a job.
   2. After that, your check is reduced $1 for every $2 you earn. So, if you earn $285 in a month, your check will be reduced by $100. You still come out ahead.