Transcript Using the Social Security, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid Work

FUNDING HOME MODIFICATIONS FOR
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES:
An Emphasis on Funding Home
Modifications to Support Employment Goals
NATTAP Conference
April 22, 2009
James R. Sheldon, Jr., Esq.
National AT Advocacy Project
Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
Buffalo, New York 14203
The Case of Steve – Age 42
Spinal Cord Injured, Gets the Following Benefits:
Social Security Disability Insurance - $720
Medicare Parts A and B
No SSI (state rate is $674)
No Medicaid
 state has Medicaid buy-in for working people with
disabilities
2
Steve’s Work History
Worked 15 Years for Insurance Company,
Selling a Number of Products:
Auto insurance
Life insurance
Homeowner’s insurance
Disability insurance
Cannot do this work any more.
3
Company Offers Steve Job –
Home-Based Insurance Adjuster
Job Will Involve:
Settling vehicle, homeowner’s claims
Collaboration with field adjuster
Company will pay for 8-week, online training
4
Needed to Set Up Home Office
Home Addition, Cost = $24,500
Use existing first floor bedroom
Accessible entrance, widened doorways
State VR agency will cover $10,000
Steve will still need $14,500
5
Office Furnishings, Computer
Equipment
Employer will cover $3,250 for:
Adapted desk, storage units
Office phone system, four-in-one printer
Chairs for occasional meetings
Adapted computer/keyboard/mouse
Voice dictation software
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Employer Will Not Pay For:
Central air for office ($1,800)
Environmental control unit ($1,200)



Operate door to outside
Turn on/off air conditioning
Answer phone
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Funding Needed
Items Not Covered by VR Agency or Employer
$14,500 of home addition
$1,800 for central air
$1,200 for environmental control unit
$17,500 total needed!!
What are possible funding sources?
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Potential Funding Sources
Alternative financing project
Telework loan
SSI’s PASS plan
• Help available through Work Incentive Planning &
Assistance (WIPA) Project
Medicaid/Medicaid waiver
Other funding sources?
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SSI’s Plan for Achieving Self Support
(PASS) - Steve
Steve’s SSI calculation with PASS exclusion:
Unearned Income (SSDI)
Unearned Income Exclusion
Exclusion for PASS Expenses
Countable Income
$720.00
- 20.00
$700.00
-700.00
$
.00
SSI Base Rate
Countable Income
New SSI Check Amount
$674.00
.00
$674.00
Good News – Steve gets Medicaid too in most states; can
save needed $17,500 in 25 months
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The Bad News – Steve Cannot
Wait 25 Months to Start Work
Collaboration with AFP Loan Program:
Steve’s benefits adviser at the WIPA project
calls the state AFP to facilitate referral.
AFP takes application and approves loan for
$17,500 at very competitive interest rate.
With loan proceeds released right away:
•
Home addition done while Steve completes
online training.
•
Central air installed at same time.
•
Environmental control unit also purchased.
Steve starts job on employer’s time table.
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The Medicaid Buy-In
Steve’s state has implemented a buy-in program
for individuals with disabilities who work.
Eligibility based on 250 percent of the federal
poverty level.
His countable monthly income, after all SSI-related
exclusions, must be below $2,257 in 2009.
Her state’s buy-in program allows her to have nonexempt resources of up to $13,800.
If approved for the buy-in, his state will require
that he pay a modest monthly premium.
Medicaid will be future funding source for AT.
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