The Social Security Administration’s Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) [1] can help students protect the funding they receive through Social Security, even if they have additional financial support, such as a parent pension, trust fund, or other income. Working While Disabled – A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support Plan (Publication No. 05-11017) [2] is an online publication that explains the application process, eligibility requirements, and Social Security definitions of blindness and disability.
In addition, Social Security “student status” permits an individual who is a full-time student (high school or college) to earn money without being subject to deductions in their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, up to a specified amount, and until age 22. The individual must be recognized as being on student status and is required to remain in school to receive the student exemption. For more information, contact your local Social Security office [3] or call 1-800-772-1213.
The Social Security Administration has established a number of work incentives that can help individuals who receive SSI or SSDI move from government payment programs to self-sustaining gainful employment. You can learn more about these programs in The Red Book on Work Incentives (SSA Publication No. 64-030) [4] an online publication that explains employment-related provisions of SSI and SSDI.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income: SSI Spotlight on Student Earned Income Exclusion, 2007 Edition [5] explains the provision that allows an individual who is under age 22 and regularly attending school to exclude earnings from income.
Blind Work Expenses (BWE) [6] allow you to deduct transportation costs, income tax, union dues, visual and sensory aids, service animal expenses, federal, state, and local income taxes, Social Security taxes, attendant care services, translation of materials into braille, and professional association fees.
If you receive SSDI, you can set up a Trial Work Period (TWP) [7] to maintain your benefits for up to nine months while you test your ability to work and gain financial independence. Funding is reviewed and adjusted according to a formula, and the trial period can be extended if needed.
If you are concerned about the loss of your medical benefits, continued Medicaid [8] (SSI) or Medicare [9] (SSDI) coverage can be extended after you are employed, even if you reach a threshold salary amount that eliminates monetary payment from the SSA. For more information, contact your local Social Security office [3] or call 1-800-772-1213.
Please note: Do not accept information from any source, including this web site, without checking to see if the programs, services, and threshold amounts are current and in place. Ask questions, remember with whom you spoke, and verify all information. It’s important to establish a good relationship with a Social Security representative who can explain Social Security Administration guidelines, get information and decisions in writing whenever possible, and keep any pay stubs or receipts that you acquire while employed.
Links:
[1] http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
[2] http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11017.html
[3] https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp
[4] http://www.ssa.gov/work/ResourcesToolkit/redbook_page.html
[5] http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-student-earned-income.htm
[6] http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/eng/blindrules.htm#2
[7] http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html#part2
[8] http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
[9] http://www.medicare.gov/