Individuals experiencing homelessness who have a disability have the same rights and privileges in applying for disability benefits as someone who is not homeless. Please read more in Spotlight on Homelessness. You should inform the SSA during the application process if you are experiencing homelessness, so that the SSA may better assist you with your application. You can find more information about how to apply for benefits by clicking on the links below:Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)Supplemental Security Income (SSI)You …

Work Incentives are disability program rules that allow you to reduce your countable income so that you can continue to receive a cash benefit while you explore work or look for a job that is right for you. Examples of such Work Incentives include the extension of Medicare and Medicaid coverage while working, Impairment-Related Work Expenses, and Plans for Achieving Self-Support. In addition, if your work attempt is unsuccessful, Social Security has made it easy for you to get back …

BECAUSE OF MY DISABLING IMPAIRMENT, I HAVE TO PAY FOR CERTAIN ITEMS SO I CAN WORK. HOW DO THESE EXPENSES AFFECT MY SSI?In most cases, you can deduct the out-of-pocket costs of these items, which are called impairment related work expenses (IRWE), from the amount of earnings used to figure your SSI benefit.This means that SSA does not reduce your SSI benefit as much because they do not count all of your earnings.WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF IRWE THAT CAN …

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs help people with disabilities. The SSA provides detailed information to help you understand what to expect from Social Security during the application process.Before you apply, please review the basics to make sure you understand the process. Also, gather the information and documents you’ll need to complete an application.The Basics About Disability BenefitsThe SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This benefit means that …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) each have disability programs.  It is possible to receive disability benefits from both; however, the criteria for receiving disability benefits through Social Security are different from the criteria for receiving disability benefits from the VA, and you must file separate applications.  For example, the VA may pay benefits for partial disability, but SSA pays disability benefits only to people with impairments so severe they prevent any substantial gainful activity (SGA).  You may …

If you receive social security benefits, you may have heard of WISE (Work Incentives Seminar Events) webinars. These are free webinars that go over various topics that are beneficial to social security beneficiaries. They cover a wide range of subjects. Last month’s topic was Ticket to Work and the Path to Employment. You can register for this month’s WISE webinar here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ArchivedWISE is known to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. If you miss a webinar, you …