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Social Security Administration Programs
Impairment Related Work Expense used for Transportation
The Plan for Achieving Self Support used for Transportation
Additional Resources
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS
The Social Security Administration operates two programs to assist eligible individuals with disabilities to receive cash and/or medical benefits if they are severely disabled and unable to work:
- 1) Title II: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Disabled Adult Child
2) Title XVI: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Under these two programs, the SSA offers several options to assist individuals with disabilities to newly enter or to reenter the workforce without immediately losing cash benefits. These "work incentives" provide support over a period of time to allow an individual with a disability to test their ability to work and gradually become self supporting.
For individuals receiving Title II Benefits either through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security Disabled Adult Child Benefits (SSDAC), the following work incentives are currently available: 1) Trial Work Period; 2) Extended Period of Eligibility; 3) Continuation of Medicare Coverage; 4) Continued payment under a Vocational Rehabilitation program ; 5) Subsidies; and 6) Impairment Related Work Expense
For individuals receiving Title XVI Benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the following work incentives are currently available: 1) Continuation of benefits while working; 2) Continuation of Medicaid Eligibility; 3) Student Earned Income Exclusion; 4) Continued payment under a Vocational Rehabilitation program; 5) Subsidies; 6) Impairment Related Work Expense; and 7) Plan for Achieving Self-Support.
IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE: Available under SSDI, SSDAC, and SSI)Some individuals have successfully used the Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) to offset high costs of specialized van services or to cover the cost of transportation in rural areas. To do so, obtain documentation from a doctor or from a vocational rehabilitation counselor to certify inability to take public transportation due to the disability, and maintain receipts to submit to SSA.
| "The cost of structural or operational modifications to a vehicle which the person needs in order to drive to work, even if the vehicle is also used for non-work purposes. The cost of driver assistance or taxicabs where such special transportation is not generally required by unimpaired individuals in the community. Mileage expenses for an approved vehicle at a rate determined by the Social Security Administration and limited to travel related to employment." Red Book on Work Incentives, SSA Pub No 64-030, ICN 436900, August 1994 |
The Impairment Related Work Expense permits the costs of certain items that a person needs in order to work to be deducted from gross earnings when SSA considers how earnings affect benefits.
In order to qualify for IRWE, these expenses must be: 1) related to disability, 2) necessary in order for the individual to work, 3) paid out of pocket by the individual, 4) not reimbursed by another source.
As a result of the IRWE, individuals who earn more than $500 per month may continue to receive their full SSDI check in addition to their paycheck if, after these expenses are deducted, their earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. Generally, earnings are considered to be "substantial" at the $500 per month level. For individuals who are blind, the SGA level is $1050 in 1998.
People who receive SSI can have some earnings and still receive a portion of their SSI cash payments so long as total income does not exceed income limits.
(Note: In addition to transportation, the Red Book on Work Incentives (PROVIDE LINK ADDRESS) lists several other expenses which may also be approved under IRWE. Examples of such expenses may include attendant care services performed in the work setting or to prepare for work, the trip to and from work and after work, services performed by a family member for a cash fee where the family member suffers an economic loss by reducing or terminating work in order to perform such services; medical devices; work related equipment and assistants; prosthesis; routine drugs and routine medical services; diagnostic procedures; residential modifications; job coaching services, etc.)
THE PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT (Available under SSI)The Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) is a work incentive under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program which individuals may use if they are already receiving SSI or if they wish to become eligible for SSI. Under PASS, individuals are able to purchase or save for goods or services which will enable them to pursue a specific and feasible occupational objective and have higher earned income. A vocational evaluation can provide proof that an objective is feasible (in other words, that there is a reasonable chance for success to meet the objective). The individual must have income or resources other than SSI to put toward this goal and must be able to afford living expenses as well as the PASS items and services. An individual should have money management and record keeping ability, or have someone who can assist, as this is very important for PASS compliance. Persons who did not qualify for SSI because of income or resources may use that income and/or resources toward their goal and may become eligible for SSI. They must meet all other SSI eligibility criteria.
A written PASS plan must be developed for an individual using the new 10 page PASS form and must be approved through the Social Security Administration. Special assistance in developing the PASS is available for eligible individuals through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the local Social Security office or by calling the PASS Cadre toll free number 1-800-551-9305.
| The PASS plan may be used for a variety of purposes. For transportation, the PASS may help to cover the costs of: |
| Time limited transportation expensesSavings for vehicle downpayment or paymentsMaintenance costs of a vehicle already owned (This may be possible if at the end of the PASS with the individual's increased income, the person can then cover maintenance costs with their own money)Reimbursement for mileage for a family member living in the same householdPayment for family members living outside of the household for time involved in taking the individual with a disability to workMileage reimbursement and payment for time for non-family members to take individuals with disabilities to work (Reimbursement for drivers must be affordable to the individual through their increased wages after the PASS is over in order to have the PASS approved.) |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESThe following is a partial listing of identified website links. Parent Education Network is not responsible for the contents of any off site pages referenced or linkages provided. No official endorsement by Parent Education Network of products, resources or information is implied. Information is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. In the event you need legal or medical assistance, consult an attorney or a physician.
Social Security WebsiteWork Incentives On-line Training Course (Please note there is a charge)
